The RVP contract situation

16th of August, 2011-  Just a couple of days after Arsenal and Barcelona successfully negotiated a deal for Fabregas, Robin Van Persie was appointed Arsenal's club captain. This, after a stellar 6 months of football, where he went on from being a near permanent fixture on the treatment table to one of the most clinical strikers across Europe. 


The impact he has had on Arsenal's season thus far has been nothing short of audacious. Scoring an astounding 22 goals, and chipping in with 7 assists, RVP has been involved in almost 60% of the club's league goals. Yet he has just one year left on his contract, and the sense of deja vu within the club has never been stronger especially taking into consideration the events surrounding the departures of Cesc, Nasri and Clichy last summer. 


At the top of his game and having left the injury demons behind him, Robin would surely look at the ambitions and direction the club is moving in, when the agenda of a new contract is brought forward. Would finishing fourth be enough for a player, whose goals tally can be spoken of in the same breath as Messi's? There is no doubt in my mind that Van Persie approves of Wenger's affinity towards youth and also believes in our team. But what scares me is the lack of good quality strength in depth in various areas of the pitch. 


Would Van demand an injection of quality especially in creative midfield and the forward positions, before he makes a decision over his contract situation? The lure of money can be a factor too, especially when the Madrid's and Barcelona's of this world offer him twice what he will earn with his current employers. Le Prof would have to be at his convincing best when he sits down that negotiation table. He knows too well what an asset Robin is, and with a fully fit Jack and a couple of world class additions to the squad, Robin would be a key to building a title-winning side. 


The Arsenal style of football just suits him too well, and his relationship with the manager is as closely knit as that of a father and son. Just like Wenger understands RVP's hunger for bigger more ornamented finishing years, Robin also understands Arsene's situation. At the end of the season, we may see both stay, or even both leave (recent speculations have linked AW with a move away from North London).


There is no secret that RVP loves the club inside out, and just like Fabregas found out, there comes a time when you have to make a choice. As much as I would love to see Van stay, and take this Arsenal team to glory not only in the league but in Europe as well, I would understand if he decides to move. The lure of trophies, Champions League medals, is what drives the best in the business forward. Staying at Arsenal may not instantly help him achieve that. Stay and go onto become a legend, or leave and become another of those thereabouts. 


It's never an easy choice, but remember Robin, the grass always appears greener on the other side. Just ask Nasri. ;)




Written by Debarshee Mitra
Follow him on Twitter @goonerstar_deb


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