Zenit St Petersburg boss Dick Advocaat believes the time has come for Andrei Arshavin to accept a new challenge at one of Europe's top clubs.
The Russia international has been continuously linked with a big-money move away from his homeland, but is yet to see the speculation mount to a formal approach.
Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are believed to have expressed a keen interest in acquiring his services, while a move to England with Tottenham looked a distinct possibility for much of the summer.
Having captured the imagination with a number of electrifying displays for club and country last year, culminating in a star showing at Euro 2008, Arshavin has seen his form dip this term.
Advocaat accepts this may be a direct result of his desire to try his luck elsewhere and the Dutch coach concedes that he will not stand in the 27-year-old's way if a suitable offer arrives during the January transfer window.
"Sometimes you have to give players of that quality a chance to show themselves in Europe and I think it's the right time for Andrei to do that," he said.
Having led Zenit to Uefa Cup glory at the end of the 2007/08 campaign, Advocaat admits he is now paying the price for success.
His Russian outfit are now one of Europe's most recognisable clubs, with many of their home-grown talents expected to be lured abroad.
"If you can play in Europe and you get a good offer then players will go," added Advocaat.
"There's no doubt about that."
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