Word has just reached us at the Tavern that John Cross at ‘The Mirror’ claims that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is set to add another Russian from Zenit St Petersburg to his ranks at the Emirates. In fact it is even stated that striker Pavel Progrebnyak will replace the much maligned of late Emmanuel Adebayor at the Premier League side.

John Cross writes:

‘Arsene Wenger is eyeing up Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak as a potential replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor.

‘Pogrebnyak, 25, is a target man at Zenit St Petersburg and is out of contract at the end of the Russian season in November.

‘Arsenal boss Wenger’s first choice is Blackburn’s Roque Santa Cruz but will face competition from Tottenham and does not want to pay over the odds and is looking at other options.

‘Wenger already signed Andrey Arshavin from Zenit in February and that £12m deal has been a huge success and the connections have already been made.

‘Blackburn have also been looking at Pogrebnyak, but the Russian international – top scorer for Zenit in last year’s UEFA Cup campaign – is holding out for a bigger move.

‘Bayern Munich are also looking and Pogrebnyak is stalling on a new deal at Zenit to try and secure a move this summer.

‘Adebayor could be set to leave Arsenal this summer with AC Milan chasing the Togo striker and Wenger will find it hard to resist a big-money offer after a disappointing season.’

So has John been drinking mineral water or absynth? Will the Russian be the one to replace Adebayor, should he be shown the door at Arsenal? Does this rumour Fly or Die?