• Premier League

Initial Van Persie talks end in deadlock

ESPN staff
May 17, 2012
Initial talks over a new contract for Robin van Persie ended in deadlock © Getty Images
Enlarge

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger failed to come to a resolution with striker Robin van Persie about his future after face-to-face talks on Wednesday, according to widespread reports in the English media.

Van Persie's future at Emirates Stadium is currently the subject of much speculation, with the Dutchman's existing contract set to expire next summer.

Van Persie is yet to sign a new deal as he has delayed extension negotiations until the off-season, with Juventus, Barcelona and Manchester City all said to be among a number of clubs strongly interested in his signature.

Van Persie and Wenger finally met on Wednesday to discuss the forward's long-term future at the club, as the 37-goal striker revealed his concerns about the Gunners' inability to challenge for major trophies. The north London club finished third in the Premier League this season, 19 points off champions City.

Wenger reportedly told his striker that the recent signing of Lukas Podolski - along with further summer acquisitions - should put the club in a far better position to challenge for the Premier League and Champions League next season, but this seemingly could not convince the former Feyenoord man to commit his future to the club.

Money could ultimately be crucial to keeping Van Persie. The Arsenal captain has reportedly been offered around £130,000-a-week to stay at the club, but it remains to be seen if that is enough to persuade him not to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri and head for pastures new in search of trophies.

After winning the title Nasri does not regret the move to Manchester he made last summer, one Van Persie may yet repeat.

"I weighed up the pros and cons, Roberto Mancini was calling me every day and I decided to go there," Nasri revealed, according to the Mirror. "I came to Manchester to help the team become champions. Next season the club's ambition is to go further in the Champions League and win the title again.

"In terms of statistics, it's not my best season. Last season I was much more prolific in front of goal with Arsenal.

"But what counts is the team and the title with Manchester City, so it is my best season."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices