Quick exit the preference for want-away Arsenal strike ace
Published:As Robin Van Persie returned to Arsenal training this week, Gunners fans were hopeful that the Dutchman may have made a U-turn on any decision regarding his future.
However, the omission of any Van Persie club merchandise in this year’s recently released club catalogue, along with a re-affirmed request from the player for exit talks, have dispelled that hope.
Van Persie has in fact made it clear to his manager Arsene Wenger, along with chief executive Ivan Gazidis, that he wants his future resolved before Arsenal head out on a pre-season tour of the Far East this Saturday.
A statement from an Arsenal spokesman read, “Robin returned to training on Monday as expected and made it clear he wants to sit down and resolve the matter of his future, either way, as soon as possible.
“No date has yet been agreed for that meeting.”
Manchester City remain favourites to tie up a deal for last season’s Premier League Golden Boot winner, and it is 4/6 that Van Persie is a City player by the end of this summer’s transfer window.
However, several clubs maintain an interest in the striker, as Manchester United, Juventus and Real Madrid all hope to provide an Emirates escape route for the 28-year-old.
United are 11/4 second-favourites to clinch Van Persie’s signature, whilst it is 3/1 he signs for the Old Lady this summer, and a 14/1 chance he makes the move to Santiago Bernabeu.
Should Van Persie’s future not be resolved by Saturday though, he will still travel with the Gunners on their pre-season tour, and could feature in friendly outings during the trip.
A poor showing at Euro 2012 has seemingly been of little detriment to Van Persie’s value, with a £30million price tag still widely touted, and a fee in excess of this looks certain to change hands should the striker fail to see out the final year on his Emirates deal.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
