On a day famed for independence, it has come to light that Robin
Van Persie was seeking his own kind of freedom. At around 5pm on the 4th
of July the 28 year old released a statement confirming his intentions not to
sign a new contract with Arsenal. After a career best season in seven years
with the club, the Dutchman has decided that now is the time to move on. This will
come as a major blow to Arsene Wenger, currently in the middle of rebuilding
his squad in preparation for next season, who was sure he could convince his
captain to stay. Instead, Wenger is now left with the dilemma of keeping Van Persie
for one remaining season, therefore seeing out his contract but eventually
leaving on a free. Or does the Frenchman cash in on his prolific front man to
generate money into the club. Being an Arsenal fan myself, I can see only one
option. We sell him now and we sell him quick. It would be disastrous to repeat
last year’s fiasco of selling a player (Samir Nasri) after the season had
begun, thus rushing to find replacements. To Arsene’s credit, he has already
recruited two world class forwards in that department in Lukas Podolski and
Olivier Giroud. Are they adequate
replacements for a man that scored 30 Premier League goals last season? Time
will tell.
Once Van Persie’s inevitable exit from North London is confirmed,
he will be the fourth Arsenal captain to depart in the space of just seven
years. This alarming statistic screams volumes as to why Arsenal have not been
as successful in recent times. It isn’t pure coincidence that it has also been
seven years since the club last won a trophy. What this team needs is stability
and faith. Although the trophy cabinet is gathering cobwebs, it is important to
note that the club have still been convincingly competing for every major
honour in their grasp.
In the statement released on his official website, Van Persie
said: “Out of my huge respect for Mr Wenger, the players and the fans I don't
want to go into any details, but unfortunately it has become clear to me that
we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward.”
By betraying the beliefs of such a great manager, Van Persie has
also betrayed the following that once adored him. In issuing this statement,
the striker has assured he will not leaving with his dignity intact.
If Arsenal are to end their trophy drought then they will need
players who are fully committed to the cause, focused on achieving success and
are willing to fight for the club. A new breed of players in Jack Wilshere,
Thomas Vermaelen and Benik Afobe provide Gunner’s with the confidence to wave
Van Persie out of the Emirates and out of Arsenal’s history.
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