Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn has warned fans that Arsene Wenger will have to dive into the Emirates vault and spend some cash if the club wish to retain the services of Robin van Persie…to flippin’ right Nigel!
The 28-year-old’s current contract with Arsenal expires in June 2013 and with no talks over a new deal surfacing, many fans have been left wondering if the Dutch international will actually commit his long-term future to the club that he has been with for the past 8 years at the end of the season. If for any reason this does not ensue, then interested clubs could potentially land the striker in a cut-price deal next summer – let’s hope this doesn’t happen!
However, Winterburn believes that this could happen if Wenger does not splash the cash and convince RVP that Arsenal is the place to be.
The Highbury favourite recently said:
‘Robin Van Persie is looking at the situation at Arsenal and he’s just seen two of the top players leave, so he’s not going to sign a new contract at this moment in time.’
‘How do you change that? Well, the team needs to start winning games and Arsene Wenger needs to strengthen the team, if he thinks he needs to, in January. Then again at the end of the season.’
Winterburn concluded by saying:
‘If Arsene Wenger does that then Van Persie will sign again. If he doesn’t, then there’s always the possibility that Van Persie will say, ‘listen, I’ve given my all to Arsenal, but I’m now going to let my contact run down and at the end of it I need a fresh challenge’.’
I couldn’t have put it better myself.
Although RVP yesterday pledged his commitment to Arsenal after our 2-1 win over Sunderland, things can easily change as time rolls on.
Wenger must convince the Dutchman to stay put by acquiring top notch talent in January and, if need be, next summer. I think if he doesn’t do this and Arsenal yet again fall short of trophies, then RVP may rethink his future.
We all want him to stay as he is now our prized asset following the departure of Cesc, and the only way he is truly going to commit himself to the club is by bringing in top players and winning trophies.
I for one would hate to see him leave on a possible cut-price deal next summer, so Wenger and the Arsenal board must do everything in their power to avoid such a disaster occurring once again.
Like what you read? Then follow me on Twitter – http://twitter.com/Gunnersphere
Visit and Join our Facebook page, click HERE to do so.
Gunnersphere is currently looking for new writers to join the squad. Contact via twitter or at Gunnersphere@snack-media.com for further details.
It is a very good advice but will arsene wenger take it? If wenger had tried to buy just 2 quality players before pre season. I believe either one or both Fab or Nasri might decide to wait cos its defend that kill the hope of the team last season. And till Nasri decide to leave no plan for quality defenders, which simply means another hopeless season. I pray the board and the coach will take the advice and go to market and buy real stars to help with the team.