Freddie Ljungberg: Arsenal must spend to keep Robin van Persie

Freddie Ljungberg urges Arsenal to splash the cash in the summer transfer market to convince Robin van Persie to stay

Comments

By TSR staff Saturday 16 June 2012, 15:22 UK

Freddie Ljungberg believes Robin van Persie will sign a new deal at Arsenal if the Gunners promise to invest in “two or three top players” this summer.

Fancy a bet on Euro 2012? Open a bet365 account with £10 or more and you’ll get a free bet of up to £200

The Arsenal captain has just 12 months left on his current Gunners deal, prompting reported interest from the likes of Juventus and Manchester City.

Van Persie saw Cesc Fàbregas and Samir Nasri both leave The Emirates last summer and the pair have gone on to win silverware in their first seasons at Barcelona and Manchester City.

And former Gunners midfielder Ljungberg wants Arsenal to splash the cash on a number of world class players this summer in a bid to convince Van Persie to stay in north London.

“I think there’s nothing to advise Robin, I think it’s more to advise Arsenal,” said Ljungberg, 35.

“When Robin came to Arsenal, we were a winning team, and we won trophies. I think that’s what he wants to do. Arsenal have to open their wallet a little bit, and buy two or three top, top players, that will decide whether Robin stays or not.

“As a fan, I hope that is what they are going to do because I want to see Arsenal lift trophies again.

“When you see Cesc Fàbregas and Samir Nasri leave, maybe your two leading players, it’s something you don’t want to see at a club like Arsenal.

“You want to know that the best players are staying for sure, if someone isn’t making the team then they might be leaving, but not your top players.

“I want Arsenal to get back to that way.”

Ljungberg scored 71 goals in 313 Arsenal appearances after being signed by Arsène Wenger from Halmstad in 1998.

And the former Sweden international defended Wenger’s lack of spending over recent seasons and called on the club’s owners to openly declare how much money the Gunners boss has to spend during the summer transfer window.

“I would like the owners to talk openly. I’m not sure Arsène Wenger gets the money that’s been talked about in the media,” he added.

“If he’s not able to get the money to buy the players then Arsène has done wonders! It’s amazing what he has done with a young squad.

“I don’t think it [lack of transfer activity] should fall on Arsène at all. We don’t know if the money is there, and if he doesn’t buy anyone, don’t criticise him, because he’s done wonders.”