Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirms desire to resolve Robin van Persie future swiftly

 

Pa
Tuesday 24 July 2012 05:53 EDT
Comments
Robin van Persie
Robin van Persie (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reiterated his desire to keep Robin van Persie, but wants the captain's future sorted one way or the other by the start of the new Barclays Premier League season.

The 28-year-old Holland striker announced after the European Championship that he would not be renewing his current deal at the Emirates Stadium, which expires at the end of next term, and questioned the club's ambitions.

Speaking in Malaysia at the start of the Gunners' pre-season tour, Wenger said at a press conference: "We are very, very ambitious. You know that. Not only very ambitious, but also very proud of the way we run our club.

"Van Persie is a world-class striker and I am a big supporter of him. I have supported him through his whole career. He has one year left and is in demand but our desire is to keep him.

"However, we will do what is in best interest of the club. If you have a decoder in your head you can decode that."

Wenger will no doubt be keen to avoid a repeat of last year, when both Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas were sold towards the end of the summer transfer window.

"The official transfer deadline is August 31 but then we can create an internal deadline," the Frenchman said.

Asked if that was before the new campaign kicks off, he replied: "Of course. I believe the transfer market should stop before the season starts anyway."

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in