Robin the red: Ferguson lines up bid for Van Persie but
first he must fight off City
4 July 2012
Manchester United are preparing to gazump neighbours City
and sign unsettled Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.
Sir Alex Ferguson is determined to land the Holland star,
who confirmed he will not be signing a new contract at the Emirates Stadium on
Wednesday, as Sportsmail revealed on May 18.
In a damning statement, Van Persie questioned Arsenal’s
ambition, saying he wants to win trophies but that he and the club ‘disagree on
the way Arsenal should move forward’.
Ferguson wants the Barclays Premier League title back from
Manchester City and does not intend to lose out on a player who scored 30 League
goals last season.
Van Persie’s shock declaration was met with fury by Arsenal
manager Arsene Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis, who face yet another
summer of losing their star.
The striker’s statement on his own website read: ‘As
announced earlier this year, I had a meeting with the Boss and Mr Gazidis after
the season. This was a meeting about the club’s future strategy and their
policy. Financial terms or a contract
have not been discussed, since that is not my priority at all.
‘I personally have had a great season but my goal has been
to win trophies with the team and to bring the club back to its glory days. Out
of my huge respect for Mr Wenger, the players and the fans I don’t want to go
into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear
to me that we, in many aspects, disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move
forward.
'I’ve thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not
to extend my contract. You guys, the fans, have the right to disagree with my
view and decision and I will always respect your opinions.
‘I love the club and the fans, no matter what happens. I
have grown up and became a man during my time with Arsenal FC. I am very proud
of being part of this fantastic club for the last eight years. As soon as Mr Gazidis
is back from his two-week holiday in America further meetings will follow and I
will update you if and when there are more developments.’
Champions City will formalise their interest soon with
manager Roberto Mancini desperate to
land Van Persie, 28. City are prepared to offer a whopping £225,000-per-week,
which is beyond United’s pay structure.
But Ferguson will urge his club to push their financial boundaries and beat
City.
Gunners officials were stunned by their captain’s statement.
No-one at the club had been told it was coming. Wenger and Gazidis both
contacted the player’s agent, Kees Vos,
to read the riot act over what they perceive to be a blatant attempt to force a
move. They are convinced Van Persie has a move lined up and view the player’s
statement as an attempt to speed up the process.
Club officers were frantically trying to reach owner Stan
Kroenke to update the American businessman. A club statement read: ‘We have to
respect Robin’s decision not to renew his contract. Robin has one year to run
on his contract and we are confident that he will fulfil his commitments to the
club. We are planning with ambition and confidence for next season.’
Nevertheless, Arsenal insiders last night said the club are
resigned to selling him this summer. The prospect of £20million is too good to
turn down.
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