Arshavin has attracted a lot of attention at Euro 2008, with some excellent displays of footwork and strike play, and Advokaat admits he would be hard pressed to keep the 27-year-old at the Russian club.

Advokaat said: "I can understand that he wants to play in Europe.

"I think he has some clubs in his mind, some in England and others in Spain, because they are the only two countries he would like to play in."

He added: "We had a meeting and he said at his age this is the time to move on.

"If you lose one of your main players you don't like it as a coach but you have to be realistic.

"It is difficult to say which league would suit him best. We play more or less 4-3-3 and our wide players have a lot of freedom.

"I'm not sure other coaches will give him the freedom but you have to otherwise it's difficult to use him. He needs the freedom to do what he thinks is best for the team.

"I have worked with him for two years and he is a very talented player.

"He's just turned 27, he's very quick, he has an excellent shot on both legs and besides scoring he can also provide for other players."

Arshavin will be in action when Russia take on Spain in the semi-finals on Thursday.