The future of Arsenal midfielder Andrei Arshavin has been subject of great speculation in recent months with the Russian’s contract coming to an end in just a few months. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has today confirmed that the midfielder is not likely to stay at Arsenal beyond this season. Arshavin was one of the record transfers for Arsenal a few years ago, as the club paid £ 15 million for him. During the initial years, Arshavin managed to establish himself as one of the important players at the club by scoring 22 goals in just two seasons.

However, his form has nosedived in recent seasons and the midfielder was sent out on loan to Russian clubs Zenit St Petersburg last season in a bid to improve his form. Even after the return, he has found first team opportunities limited at Arsenal. This has led to rumours linking him with a move to clubs like Fulham and Reading. Since his contract runs out at the end of the season, he will be able to discuss terms for a free transfer. Wenger expects the midfielder to leave the club since there is no new contract offer on the table.

He also feels that Arshavin would rather play for the club where he would get regular opportunities.

“I don’t think he will stay here, because he doesn’t play enough. He is at the end of his contract at the end of the season, then he will decide what he will do. Arshavin has shown 100% commitment at absolutely every session, he has been an example for everybody. He has been questioned many times about his commitment, but if you saw him every day you would respect him for what he does on a daily basis. He has been absolutely fantastic,” said Arsene Wenger.

The Arsenal winger Andrei Arshavin has been widely tipped to leave Arsenal at the end of this season. His agent Dimitri Seluk has said that his next destination is most likely to be the Premier league club Fulham.

Martin Jol enquired about the services of the Russian winger during the January transfer window, but the club was unable to complete that deal to bring the former Zenit St Petersburg man to Craven Cottage. According to the statement released by Dimitri Seluk, Fulham can be expected to make another move for the player in the summer.

Wednesday evening’s game at the Emirates Stadium sees Arsenal host Liverpool in the on-going battle to secure Champions League qualification for next season.

The Gunners go in to the game on the back of their 3-2 win over Brighton and Hove Albion in the fourth round of the FA Cup at the weekend; a result that followed their demolition of West Ham United in the league seven days ago.

That result took Arsene Wenger’s men to within four points of North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who currently occupy fourth spot in the division, and put an end to a run of three games without a win.

Captain Thomas Vermaelen is set to return to the heart of the Arsenal defence, with Theo Walcott, Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere also set to be given starting berths after beginning the Saturday’s visit to the Amex Stadium on the bench.

Following his winning strike in that game, Walcott is now on seventeen goals for the season and is priced at 7.0 (6/1) with a number of firms to add to that tally with the opening goal, while Olivier Giroud, who has four in his last two appearances is a 7.5 (13/2) shot.

The home win is 2.45 (29/20) with Bet Victor, with Liverpool available at 3.5 (5/2). The draw is 3.25 (9/4) with Stan James.

Liverpool are aiming to bounce back from Sunday’s shock 3-2 defeat to League One side Oldham Athletic in their FA Cup fourth round tie.

They currently sit a place behind Arsenal, but would overtake them if they win the match by four or more goals.

Brendon Rodgers may recall goalkeeper Pepe Reina and defenders Jose Enrique and Glen Johnson, who have all returned to full fitness, whilst captain Steven Gerrard is likely to start after coming off the bench at the weekend.

Top scorer Luis Suarez is currently two behind Manchester United’s Robin Van Persie in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot, and is 7.0 (6/1) to get the first goal of the game.

The Arsenal midfielder Andrei Arshavin has said that the history of Arsenal is listed with a number of trophies, which is providing a lot of responsibility for the current crop of players to be equally successful. Arsenal have been extremely successful over the history of English football, while there was only recently the main challengers for Manchester United in the Premier league title race. However, since the arrival of the clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City into the frame, Arsenal have been unable to win trophies. It has been seven seasons since the last trophy arrived at the club, while one has to go back eight seasons to witness Arsenal lifting the Premier league title.

The 30-year-old Russian winger Andrei Arshavin, who was signed by the club for £ 15 million a few seasons ago, has said that the current crop of players look at the illustrious past of the club and get a feeling of responsibility. They are hoping to end the poor run of form when it comes to trophies this season at least. Arshavin has fallen out of favour at the club in recent seasons. He was out on loan in the last season to Zenit St Petersburg and has failed to secure a permanent transfer.

“Of course we feel we have a responsibility to win something because in the past, even recently, Arsenal was a very successful club and they won a trophy every year. The players who represent Arsenal now want to bring something to [the club's] history now. It adds more pressure on the players,” said the Arsenal winger. Arshavin has said that it is extremely incredible considering that Arsenal lifted seven trophies from 2001 to 2005, but have been unable to add to them since then. The winger has been linked with a move to Fulham in the January transfer window.