Robin Van Persie has this evening delivered a telling statement on his official site that confirms that he will not sign a contract extension at the Emirates, placing his immediate future at Arsenal in serious doubt.
While Van Persie’s contract does not expire until next summer, his statement could well make his situation at the club untenable, with the Gunners’ skipper citing differences in opinion on how the club should progress…
“I personally have had a great season but my goal has been to win trophies with the team and to bring the club back to its glory days. Out of my huge respect for Mr Wenger, the players and the fans I don’t want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward.”
Arsenal have followed this up with a statement of their own, indicating that they will look to keep their skipper for the final year of his current contract.
“Robin has one year to run on his current contract and we are confident that he will fulfil his commitments to the Club.”
Despite Arsenal’s best intentions, an array of suitors will be circling, with the aim to seal the signature of the Premier League’s most glittering talent before the August 31 transfer deadline.
For Fantasy managers this is, of course, hugely significant news. After an incredible season, the Dutchman is undoubtedly the red hot property in Fantasy terms but, with the various games preparing to open their doors, we now face weeks of uncertainty surrounding the future of the season’s potential star asset.
Manchester City will, of course, be touted as his likely destination and such a move would have huge repercussions in Fantasy terms, not just on Van Persie’s potential but also that of the likes of Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez.
There’s little doubt then that this evening’s news is set to create a huge question mark over our pre-season tinkering and it seems likely that Van Persie is now to be written off as an initial signing, at least until we know more on the outcome of what could be a lengthy transfer saga. With Aguero also potentially affected by City’s pursuit of Van Persie, suddenly our pre-season thinking is turned on its head.
Further meetings with Arsenal’s backroom are promised, with Van Persie set to make statements in the near future. Fantasy managers will wait on those updates with keen anticipation.
