Ian Wright: RVP’s Decision to Leave Is Justified
Arsenal legend Ian Wright doesn’t think that that there is anything wrong with Robin van Persie’s desire to leave the club in search of trophies elsewhere. (Goal.com)
The Arsenal captain recently revealed that he won’t be signing a contract extension with the club, after which rumours of a summer switch to clubs such as Manchester City, PSG and Juventus have intensified.
Wright, who is the second-highest goal scorer in Arsenal history, believes that van Persie’s decision is justified due to the club’s trophy drought and the fact that they have now become a selling club.
In an interview with The Sun, Wright said: “In many respects, I cannot blame him for wanting to join a club who are winning trophies. At least van Persie is not the sort of player who would be unprofessional and cause problems within the group.
“For the last few years, Arsenal have lost at least one top player each summer and they have struggled to win anything as a result. In previous seasons, Manchester United and Chelsea were the successful teams the top players wanted to join — now, it is City.”
Wenger and Company Target RVP Talks
Contract rebel Robin van Persie returned to London earlier today and now Arsenal officials will be hoping to convince him that his long-term future lies at Emirates Stadium. (Daily Mail)
The Dutch striker, whose current Arsenal deal is set to expire in the summer of 2013, recently revealed that he won’t be signing a contract extension with the club. But van Persie had released that statement at a time when he was in the Netherlands and now that he is back in London, coach Arsene Wenger is expected to hold a meeting with him in order to try and change his mind.
There is a growing belief in the Arsenal camp that van Persie’s statement is just a tactic to try and secure a more lucrative deal from the club a la Wayne Rooney. Hence, they think that some assurances and a bit more money could enable them to keep their talisman.
Frimpong’s ‘Tweet Stirs Up Controversy
Emmanuel Frimpong may have to face a barrage of criticism and the FA’s wrath after he posted a controversial message on micro-blogging website Twitter.com. (Yahoo Sports)
The Arsenal midfielder, who is currently nursing a serious knee injury, first tweeted: “if you going church today Pray For me Giving today A Miss,” to which a Tottenham fan replied: “I prayed you break your arms and legs.” Frimpong retweeted that message and added: “Scum Yid.”
He quickly deleted that tweet but it had already been seen by many. It should be noted that some supporters call themselves “Yid” or “Yiddos” due to the club’s number of Jewish fans. While some see it as an anti-Semitic or derogatory term, many Tottenham fans don’t find it insulting. In fact, some call themselves the “Yid army.”
The whole tweeting incident has been brought in the knowledge of the FA but so far they have not made their official stance known to the press.
Liverpool and Chelsea Eyeing Walcott
Liverpool have joined the race to sign Arsenal’s contract rebel Theo Walcott, who is also attracting some interest from Chelsea. (Daily Mail)
Like Robin van Persie, Walcott will also be a free agent in the summer of 2013. While he isn’t looking to leave the club, his wage demands of £100,000 per week are being considered too high by the Gunners, who might be forced into selling the England international this summer if he doesn’t softens his stance.
According to The Sun, Wenger is an admirer of Walcott and wants to retain his services but some high-level club officials want to let him go if a bid of £15 million is received.
New Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers likes to have pacy forwards up front and Walcott would fit perfectly in his plans.
New Boys Are ‘World Class,’ Says Jenkinson
Arsenal right-back Carl Jenkinson believes that the club’s summer signings Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud are “world class” performers and he expects great things from them in the 2012/13 season.
In an interview with Arsenal.com, Jenkinson said: “They are two world-class players, they are fantastic signings and fantastic assets for this club. I am really looking forward to playing alongside them both. Everyone is delighted that we have signed players of that calibre.”
