Arsenal face another season of transition if Van Persie leaves
Sharethematch.com looks at the ongoing transfer speculation involving Arsenal's prolific captain Robin van Persie
It’s crunch time for Arsenal and Arsène Wenger – either they convince Robin van Persie to put pen-to-paper on a new deal at The Emirates or Gunners fans must face up to another season of transition in the Premier League.
It has been confirmed Van Persie is set for contract talks on Wednesday at Wenger’s house with chief executive Ivan Gazidis – but what’s the likelihood of the 28-year-old staying put?
Arsenal supporters would love him to stay at The Emirates but watching former team-mates Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy celebrating the Premier League title last weekend with Manchester City will not have sat easy with the Dutch striker.
The French duo left Arsenal to win silverware and although in Nasri’s case he may have shown little class when he left for City, they achieved what they set out to at the start of the season and that was to win the Premier League.
Van Persie, who has a year left on his contract, ended the season with 41 goals in 53 games for club and country.
Of that tally, 37 came in 48 appearances for Arsenal and he was the Premier League’s leading marksman with 30 goals in 38 matches.
Having watched Van Persie speak at the Football Writers dinner earlier this month, the Dutchman sounded like a man about to break a bombshell that he will leave Arsenal for pastures new next season – but where could he go?
Would he command a regular starting berth at City, would he fit into the style of play that Real Madrid and Barcelona conjure up and if he’s not going to one of the above then what’s the point joining a team such as Juventus?
It’s unlikey Van Persie will replicate his form again next season but then again Wenger has already brought in Lukas Podolski from Cologne to help the Dutchman out in the goal scoring department.
If he left, Wenger would need to go out and sign a 30-goal striker to replace him – but as we know these are not easy to come by.
Arsenal need to make a statement that they are not a selling club, they won’t just roll over and let their best players leave to join City and Barcelona.
Wenger also needs to reinforce further – preferably a powerful central midfielder would strengthen the side, while a fourth central defender and possibly a full-back or two are also required to make a championship charge.
For many Arsenal supporters, there is a hunch that the Dutchman will leave – reminiscent of Cesc Fàbregas all over again. 
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Read more on: Arsenal, Arsène Wenger, Barcelona, juventus, Manchester City, Premier League, Robin van Persie.
