Reports today suggest that Manchester City, Manchester United and Juventus have all tabled bids for want away Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.
The 28 year old will not be part of the Gunners squad that leaves on Saturday for a pre-season tour of Asia. The striker, whose contract ends in 2013, says he will not sign a new deal.
Van Persie scored 41 goals in 53 games for club and country last season and was named Professional Footballers’ Association and Football Writers’ player of the year.
However, he suffered a disappointing Euro 2012 campaign, scoring only once as the Netherlands were eliminated at the group stage.
Van Persie would be somewhat of a gamble for any of the interested sides, as he’s had a poor run with Injuries in the past and has missed a lot of playing time during his eight years with Arsenal.
Arsene Wenger will be reluctant to sell to either of the Manchester clubs as Arsenal look to challenge for the Premier League title in the coming season. Even more so City than United as he has lost a number of key players to Roberto Mancini’s men in the last couple of summer transfer windows, including Samir Nasri and Kolo Toure.
Van Persie, on the other hand may also be reluctant to move over to Italy and Juventus as Seire A is nowhere as strong as it has been in the past and Italian sides have failed to make an impact in Europe over the last few seasons.
Personally, I would love to see him at Old Trafford. With the departure of Berbatov looking very likely, Van Persie could be a perfect replacement for the Bulgarian.
I am not sure if he is really needed at Manchester City with likes of Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez already staking claim for a starting spot.
One thing’s for sure, I can’t see him staying at Arsenal. If I was Wenger I look to cash is on Van Persie as soon as possible. One thing is for sure though; Arsenal will be a much weaker side without him. However, if a deal is made within the next week or so, Wenger will have over a month to replace the prolific striker.