Andrey Arshavin revealed he "nearly suffered depression" after enduring a torrid time during his four-and-a-half year spell with Arsenal.

Arshavin, who re-joined Zenit St. Petersburg after being let go by Arsenal on a free transfer, was bought amid much fanfare by Arsene Wenger, but Arsenal's record signing failed to live up to his £15 million ($23 million) price tag and was hardly used in the last couple of seasons.

The Russian international showed much promise in the early stages, but faded out completely soon after and Arshavin admitted he was just glad to finally seal a move away from the English Premier League.

"The fact is I didn't want to stay in England, this was clear since January," he told Sport Express.

"I don't regret anything, but I had to leave.

"It was a punishment sat on the bench. To train even though you know you won't play - it is psychologically difficult.

"I nearly suffered depression, but I didn't because I'm mentally strong. The monotony of life there was crushing me."

Another player who could be on his way out of Arsenal is Vito Mannone, with Sunderland reportedly in advanced talks over the signing of the Italian goalkeeper.

Mannone joined the Gunners in 2005 but has failed to convince Wenger he is a viable candidate for the No.1 goalkeeping position.

The 25-year-old has had spells out on loan at Barnsley and Hull City in the past, and impressed during his time at the KC Stadium.

Paolo Di Canio is looking for a new goalkeeper having sold Simon Mignolet to Liverpool and the Italian has reportedly zoned in on his compatriot.

Arsenal should not have too many problems in letting go of Mannone, if a suitable fee is agreed of course, with Wenger thought to be in the market for a goalkeeper himself, to give Wojciech Szczesny some competition.

Wenger have been linked with a move for Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina yet again, and if that deal is completed it will the final piece of bizarre triangle between Arsenal, Liverpool and Sunderland.