Andrei Arshavin has been dropped to Arsenal's reserve squad, the club's website said Tuesday, after a series of mediocre performances for the first team.
The website named the 30-year-old Russian in a 16-man reserve squad to face Norwich City later Tuesday, a demotion that could pave the way for a transfer out of the club.
Russian media have speculated that Arshavin, who has failed to hold down a regular place at the Emirates Stadium this season, could be a target for big-spending Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala.
That move would reunite Arshavin with former Russia national team coach Guus Hiddink, who was appointed coach at the Dagestan-based side last week.
The Russian transfer window closes Friday.
Spokespeople at both Arsenal and Anzhi refused to comment.
Arshavin has in the past suggested that any return to his homeland would only be to his former club Zenit St. Petersburg, from whom he joined the Gunners in 2008.
Arshavin was an unused substitute for manager Arsene Wenger in last week's Champions League 4-0 away defeat to AC Milan.
He has scored 30 goals in 133 games for Arsenal. He won the 2008 UEFA Cup with Zenit and took Russia to third place at the 2008 European championships, under Hiddink.
