• Premier League

Wright admits Van Persie concern

ESPN staff
October 3, 2011
Ian Wright has admitted he would be gutted if Robin van Persie left Arsenal © Getty Images
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Arsenal legend Ian Wright has admitted he would not hold anything against Gunners captain Robin van Persie if he elected to seek a move away from the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have endured a horror few months, with a dire start to the season following hot on the heels of the summer sales of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy.

With Jack Wilshere, Thomas Vermaelen and Bacary Sagna long-term absentees, Arsenal are under the cosh and defeat to bitter rivals Tottenham at the weekend only added to the gloom.

Van Persie recently spoke of his frustration at the club's current plight and there are fears he could wind down his contract before departing on a free transfer in the summer of 2013. And Wright would not blame the Dutchman if he elected to seek a move.

"I would not blame Robin van Persie if he left now," Wright told Sky Sports News. "Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal board have had enough time, with what has happened to players in previous years when they have run their contracts down.

"If they have not got themselves in a position where they can offer Robin van Persie something to make him stay, or Arsene Wenger to give him an incentive to make him stay with regard to the players they are going to buy and where the club is going...

"He is like anyone else, he wants success, to win stuff and play in finals and unfortunately at the minute that is not happening. For me that would be a real gutter if he left."

Arsenal were beaten 2-1 by Tottenham at the weekend and Wright feels the Gunners will be lagging behind Spurs this season.

"Right now if Wenger does not liven himself up it is," Wright said when asked if Tottenham are more attractive than Arsenal. "At the moment Tottenham are edging us and have a good chance of being in the top four. I think if Arsenal could finish sixth or seventh I would be delighted with that right now."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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