BREAKING NEWS : ARSENAL TELL RVP THAT HE CANNOT LEAVE THIS SUMMER
Arsenal Football Club have told captain Robin Van Persie that he is not allowed to leave the club this summer, according to Goal.com.
The Dutchman had expressed on his own website less than a fortnight ago that he did not want to extend his current deal, which expires in June 2013. Arsenal were expected to react similarly to the way they treated former French midfielder Samir Nasri, by selling the player with a year to go on his contract.
However, Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal board believe there is still a chance that their talisman could sign a contract next summer, immediately prior to its expiration date.
A senior Arsenal source told Goal.com: « We are going to keep him and hold him to his current contract ».
« When he is 30 it will be easier to re-sign him and in the last year [of his deal], we hope he will change his mind about wanting to leave ».
This is a huge risk from manager Arsene Wenger as he could let Van Persie leave for nothing if the Dutchman does not change his mind in 11 months time.
The Arsenal skipper became a fan’s favourite at the club, scoring 132 goals in 279 appearances, and 37 of those goals were scored last season. However, Van Persie’s comments earlier this summer have shocked Gunners fans.
Losing Van Persie on a free transfer seems the more likely outcome, yet there is always a chance he could be persuaded if Arsenal win a domestic trophy during the 2012/13 season. Also, the Dutchman may not be offered as lucrative a deal when he turns 30 years old by his contract expiration date and may have no other option but to remain at Arsenal.
However, the North-London side could have benefited from the money that would have been earned from selling Van Persie, a figure which could have been as high as £22 million from clubs such as Manchester City or Juventus.
Written by Sam Blitz Follow him on twitter click here
