Manchester City ready to pounce for sought after Arsenal star
Published:Robin Van Persie’s indispensability to Arsenal is unquestionable, but with the Gunners captain delaying contract negotiations until at least the summer, Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is monitoring his situation closely.
After finally shaking off consistent injury worries, Van Persie’s lengthiest single run in the Arsenal side has reaped over 30 goals so far this season, and the talismanic forward can improve his negotiating position by adding yet more to that.
With Arsenal’s board notoriously willing to try and limit extortionate wages as much as possible, Van Persie will know that he could earn more elsewhere, with a crowd of European giants circling.
None could likely match the financial might of Man City though, who would reportedly offer the Dutchman £220,000 per week to join Mancini’s revolution.
However, still smarting from Samir Nasri’s move to Eastlands last year, Arsenal are said to be considering offering a £5m loyalty bonus to Van Persie, who has scored almost half their league goals this season, should he decide to extend his Emirates stay.
It remains to be seen though, what sort of bid would test the Gunners’ resolve, with the player’s contract due to expire in the summer of 2013.
Away from the financial boost he would receive at City, Van Persie’s chances of a trophy could also be bolstered, as the Citizens remain in the hunt for the Premier League title with the end of the season fast approaching.
They are certain to achieve Champions League qualification too, and so a top-four finish for Arsenal may be essential in making up his mind, along with the ambition the club appears to be showing through the signings Arsene Wenger is looking to make.
Should potential moves for Lukas Podolski, Eden Hazard and Mario Gotze come off, it may go a long way to ensuring Van Persie snubs the interest of Man City.
