Saturday, 21st July, 2012
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger still wants to keep hold of Robin van Persie despite the Dutchman refusing to extend his contract at the Emirates Stadium.
Van Persie will not sign a new deal with Arsenal, citing a difference of opinion with the club’s management as to how the Gunners move forward. And with his current contract expiring in 2013, the pressure is on Arsenal to cash in this summer.
Bids have already landed for the 28-year-old, with Manchester City, Manchester United and Juventus leading the chase.
Van Persie is also not travelling with Arsenal on their pre-season tour of Asia in a further sign that he is set to leave.
But Wenger still insists he hopes to keep the Holland international, even if the odds are stacked against it.
"For me, Van Persie is one of the best strikers in the world, if not the best, and my desire is to keep him at the club", the Frenchman told Arsenal’s official site.
"As for the rest I will do what is in the best interests of Arsenal Football Club. That, at the moment, is where we are. There is not a lot more to say than that."
Wenger also stressed though that, should the transfer saga drag on, Van Persie will do his best for the Gunners, as he is a professional.
"If the transfers happen, they happen. As long as you are at the club you give your best for the club and that is the only pride you can have as a football player and as a manager.
"As long as you are somewhere you give your best every day for that club. If it changes, it changes. I am convinced that Robin is like that, he is completely focused every day on his job. He loves football, he loves the game and as long as he is here he will do that."
Inside-Bet.com
Be smart at football betting. Read FREE expert tips!
http://www.inside-bet.com
Latest Features:
- – Liverpool’s Roll of Rodgers Dice May Define FSG Ownership
- – Interview: Freddy Adu Bidding to Make Good On Promise
- – Andre Villas-Boas Risks Reputation Rehabilitation at Spurs
- – 2012/13 Mexican Apertura Season Preview
