In this Sept 17, 2019  photo, Zenit St Petersburg's Iranian forward Sardar Azmoun celebrates after scoring a goal during the European Champions League football match between Olympique Lyonnais (OL) and Zenit Saint-Petersburg in Decines-Charpieu, near Lyon. (JEFF PACHOUD / AFP)

TEHRAN - British soccer team Arsenal is in negotiations with Zenit Saint Petersburg over a deal to sign Iran's international striker Sardar Azmoun, Tasnim news agency reported on Wednesday.

Dubbed the "Iranian Lionel Messi," the 25-year-old has previously attracted the interest of Liverpool as well as Celtic, and now the Gunners are said to be in for the forward.

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Arsenal has made contact with former fan favorite Andrey Arshavin over a move to sign Azmoun.

Arshavin is currently in charge of transfers at the Russian side, and it has been claimed that Mikel Arteta is hoping his friendship with his former team-mate could lead to the potential signing.