MOSCOW, May 24 (RIA Novosti) - Arsenal Football Club's Russian striker Andrei Arshavin is seeking a large salary increase to compensate for the high British tax rate, the Mail on Sunday reported.
The British tabloid said Arshavin, who earns 80,000 pounds ($127,000) a week, has been "unpleasantly surprised" by his tax bill.
"I have a problem with my contract. Certain nuances emerged linked to taxation and some other things. As a result, I'm getting less money than I expected. It's not critical but I still need to put it right. My agent is now taking care of it. My advice to other Russian players who may move to England in the summer is to take contract matters more seriously," the paper quoted him as saying.
Although Arshavin previously had a lower gross salary at Zenit St. Petersburg, Russia's 13% income tax rate meant his take-home pay was higher.
The paper said several foreign players are seeking to renegotiate their contracts due to the 50% tax rate on top earners, which will come into force in Britain next April.
Arshavin was named Premier League player of the month for April after a number of top level performances including a stunning four-goal haul in Arsenal's 4-4 draw at Anfield.
