Arsenal up Andrei Arshavin bid as Inter Milan join battle - exclusive

Arsene Wenger will increase his bid for Andrei Arshavin to £12million - after Jose Mourinho launched a battle to sign the Russian playmaker.

Inter Milan boss Mourinho has turned up the pressure on Arsenal in trying to put one over on his bitter former managerial rival by landing Arshavin.

Gunners boss Wenger, whose interest in signing Arshavin in January was first revealed in Mirror Sport, has already had a £10m bid turned down but is desperate to get his man.

That has led to Arsenal going back to Zenit St Petersburg for further discussions and it is understood the clubs are now in open dialogue as they try to thrash out an agreement.

Arsenal are ready to raise the stakes and also offer a string of add-ons, including extra cash based on appearances and success.

Arshavin is Arsenal's No.1 target and they remain hopeful of getting their man as they desperately look to strengthen their squad, especially after losing captain Cesc Fabregas for up to three months.

Wenger has cash to spend but is aware that he has limited funds and Arsenal are keen to thrash out a deal for Arshavin rather than having to look elsewhere.

They are also interested in Udinese's Swiss midfielder Gokhan Inler but want an answer from Zenit, who are now ready to negotiate on their £20m asking price.

Arshavin has threatened to go on strike and has insisted he can buy himself out of his contract in 12 months' time to try to force Zenit's hand and has made it clear he wants to move to the Premier League.

But now Inter's interest gives Zenit another option and they have the cash to trump Arsenal and sign the much sought-after star of Euro 2008.

Mourinho and Wenger were sworn enemies during their days as rival Premier League bosses and the Chelsea manager once accused his Arsenal counterpart of being a "voyeur".

Now they are ready for another battle and once again Mourinho will certainly have the larger spending power to try to outwit Wenger on his main transfer target.

Read Mirror.co.uk's Andrei Arshavin profile

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