Manchester City Football Development Executive Patrick Vieira has given his view on the developing story surrounding the Arsenal talisman’s future…
There is no doubting that the vastly experienced 28 year old Dutchman is at the peak of his powers and no doubt either that the English Champions are now intent upon reinforcing their position in European football.
The addition of Van Persie to a potent strike force that blasted 127 goals in 55 games this past season would be a formidable acquisition indeed.
Van Persie is one of the striking options being considered in Abu Dhabi this week where His Highness Sheikh Mansour welcomed Roberto Mancini, David Platt and club officials to discuss the progress made thus far.
In the meantime, Van Persie has linked up with the Dutch squad for Euro 2012 with a new Arsenal contract offer waiting in London. Van Persie has around 12 months remaining on his current agreement.
Vieira, who has played an important role in supporting the City squad across another triumphant season said:
‘It will not only be City who would like these kind of players. I don’t think you have so many good talents like Van Persie who have just one year left on his contract. There will be a lot of teams who will want a player like Van Persie.
‘It was a shock for Arsenal to lose Nasri and Fabregas and if they lose Van Persie, it will be a drama. If Robin decides to leave, that means maybe next year it will be Walcott and the next year maybe it will be Wilshere. It will be difficult for Arsenal to keep all their top players. But if they keep Robin, they will send out a positive message to all the clubs around them.’
City were unfortunate to exit their Champions League group of death in the last campaign with 10 points that would have guaranteed progress from the majority of other groups. It is this competition for which Mancio will be intent upon making a couple of strong additions to his young side. A player of Van Persie’s stature fits the bill. Arsenal and City’s game in Beijing this summer already has an intriguing edge to it.
The Guardian Reports:
“Arsenal’s anxiety over Robin van Persie’s next career move has been reflected by them barring him from talking to the press while on international duty.
The striker travelled to the Netherlands on Thursday to begin his national team’s preparations for the Euro 2012 finals but Dutch reporters, who are used to a relaxed relationship with the players, were told that Van Persie was the only one who would not be addressing them.”
UPCOMING FIXTURES:
all times East Manchester
Fri 27 July Arsenal, Birds Nest Stadium, Beijing, Friendly
Su 12 August, Chelsea, Villa Park, Community Shield
Sa 18 August, To Be Confirmed, PL
– The 2012/13 Premier League season will kick off on Saturday the 18th August 2012. Fixtures will be announced around the middle of June, with the first set of television picks selected approximately 2-3 weeks later.
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