And so the vultures gather around the Emirates again. Having snapped up Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas last summer for a paltry sum, Barcelona have begun the psychological war games in an attempt to snatch the Gunners’ biggest asset, Super Striker Robin van Persie.
As in every war effort, the first step is always denial. And Barcelona launched their first siege on the Dutch striker by issuing their standard release, denying any interest in making a bid at this point in time.
Barcelona vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu said, “Nothing exists with RVP. It’s rumours that appear in the papers. We’ve not contacted Arsenal, nor his agent. Our focus is now on La Liga and Copa del Rey. It’s necessary to be focused on the task at hand and not be distracted by the transfer market.”
Van Persie has been in absolutely breathtaking form for the last season and a half, scoring 56 goals in his last 71 starts in all competitions. The Dutch striker has also created a bonus 16 more goals, making him effectively a contributor of better than a goal a game.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has repeatedly insisted that his Dutch striker is nothing short of World Class, and many were surprised when the 29-year was not shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or this season. Arsenal’s absence of any silverware could be a reason for the same, and while it appears that is unlikely to change in the near future, the Gunners’ best players will be constant targets for other clubs.
Van Persie’s contract expires in the summer of 2013, and he is yet to agree on a contract extension with Arsenal. Should he fail to sign new terms this summer, he would be eligible to leave for free next year, and one can’t help but wonder if another trophy-less season could well turn out to be the last one for RVP at Arsenal.
