Arsenal get Van Persie boost

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has given their supporters a boost by revealing that contract negotiations have been opened with Robin Van Persie.

The Dutchman has been in fine form for the Gunners this year with nine goals in 13 appearances.

In addition to that the number of high profile departures in recent months has meant he has rapidly become the last symbol of resistance between the club and the new-moneyed elite (i.e Man City) that are hoovering up players left, right and centre.

Now, it has to be said that opening negotiations and actually having the player sign a new deal are two very different things. However, it is at least a sign the striker is open to the idea of staying when previously he had given off hints of discontent and the looming shadow of City and a 50% wage increase became more menacing.

But Wenger knows how important Van Persie is to his current side and their premier league odds would take a real hit if he left. As a senior player – and captain – he is the man the Frenchman hopes will guide his young players through a tough period which has seen a number of incoming and outgoings and the club struggle to maintain their admirably self-sustaining business model in the wake if the craziness at the Etihad.

Wenger was speaking at the club’s AGM, where he also launched a passionate defence of both the club and his management in difficult financial times where the club’s football scores have deteriorated.

The gathered journalists though were more interested in Van Persie so when quizzed on the issue, he said: "He has 18 months to go and I'm confident he'll sign a new deal. I'm always confident."