ARSENAL MIDFIELDER Andrey Arshavin has rejoined Zenit St Petersburg on loan until July, the Russian club announced last night.

The 30-year-old started his career at Zenit before moving to north London in early 2009 and they had claimed earlier this week they had been in talks with the player.

Arshavin has been a bit-part player in north London this season, making most of his 27 appearances as a substitute and has fallen out of favour with Arsenal’s fans.

The move may have come as a surprise to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger who had maintained earlier in the day he did not expect Arshavin to rejoin his former club before the Russia transfer window closed, while revealing he “will not stand in his way” should an 11th-hour agreement be reached.

However, the Russian club said last night on their website: “Arshavin is back!”

Blackburn Rovers have confirmed defender Christopher Samba has completed his move to Anzhi Makhachkala for an undisclosed fee.

The transfer window in Russia did not close until yesterday and the Russian side, who recently appointed Guus Hiddink as their coach, have taken advantage to add Samba to their growing list of stars.

The 27-year-old made a transfer request in January but remained at Ewood Park after the winter window closed when a possible move to QPR or Tottenham failed to materialise.

Anzhi have made a number of notable signings of late, funded by billionaire owner Suleyman Kerimov. Their squad already boasts Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o, Russia international Yuri Zhirkov and former Brazil defender Roberto Carlos.

Blackburn assistant manager Eric Black has backed the rest of the Rovers squad to cope without the towering defensive presence of Samba, starting this evening at Manchester City.

The Scot said: “He hasn’t played for a few weeks and our performances have been exceptional.”