It is the latest bout of bad news Arsenal fans did not want to hear.
Just minutes after Robin van Persie struck two vital goals in a win over Sunderland, boss Arsene Wenger confessed that the Dutchman might not sign a new deal at the Emirates and become the latest big name player to leave.
“Unfortunately the ideal situation does not exist often,” said Wenger.
“The ideal situation is that he [Van Persie] extends his length of contract but, if he does not, we have to respect that. What is important is that he plays like he plays.”
Wenger was also quick to play down any question marks over Van Persie’s commitment adding:“It depends what you call commitment.For me commitment is not how long you are at the club, it is as long as you are there you give 100 per cent until the last day of your contract.”
That sounds like a cryptic hint from Wenger that he expects the former Feyenoord player to leave.
Van Persie has responded by insisting that he is committed to Arsenal, but going by Wenger’s definition of commitment he most certainly is. He has never given anything less than 100% for the club in his eight years and is arguably in the former of his career.
However, the decline in Arsenal’s fortunes – from favourites in the champions league betting to mid-table battlers - is there for all to see and you can understand why he may want to look elsewhere.
A footballers career is short and at 28 he knows he is reaching his peak. With Arsenal in lower mid-table and Man City top of the league, is it any wonder many are tipping him to take the double-your-money offer allegedly on the table from Sheikh Mansour?
Arsenal’s only hope is that success on the pitch persuades Van Persie to commit a few more seasons to the club, but if the campaign so far is anything to go by, I would Bet on the Premier League star plying his trade in a sky blue shirt sooner rather than later.
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