It would appear as though Arsenal are seriously considering the sale of Robin Van Persie, with several newspapers claiming that the Gunners have already colluded and decided an acceptable sum for the Dutch international. It’s understood that should RVP reject the club’s latest contract offer, Arsene Wenger will slap a £30m price tag on his striker’s head and await offers from Europe’s elite.
It is thought that the contract that is current on the table for Van Persie is worth £130,000 per week, for four years. While this would put the former Feyenoord man as one of the highest earners at the club, it is still significantly lower than what he can gain elsewhere. For example, there have already been reports that Manchester City could offer a wage as high as £250,000 per week for him, should they gain access to his representatives.
Following the Netherlands’ exit from Euro 2012 on Sunday evening, it’s understood that talks with RVP will commence sooner rather than later. Understandably, Arsene Wenger is desperate to get his future sorted so he can at least line up a replacement should the worst case scenario occur.
Having held discussions with his superiors, Wenger has made it known that he will not accept a penny less than £30m for his striker. This means just a handful of clubs will be able to afford RVP, with Manchester City, Juventus, Real Madrid and Barcelona seen as the front runners. Should no-one be willing to match that asking price, Wenger has said he wants to keep him at the club until his contract expires next term, before losing him for nothing.
The recent signing of Olivier Giroud will undoubtedly soften the blow should RVP depart. However, Wenger was hoping to play Van Persie alongside his new recruit, meaning that he will have to dip into the transfer market to locate a replacement should the Dutchman turn down his contract offer.
