Soccer:Arsenal midfielder Andrey Arshavin has rejoined Zenit St Petersburg on loan until July, the Russian club announced tonight. 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 Gunners 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 tonight on their website: “Arshavin is back!”