The wage structure employed by Arsenal, Arsene Wenger and the Emirates hierarchy has been the subject of much conjecture over the past few seasons. A mass tightening of the belt since the clubs move from Highbury in 2006 has seen the departure of many star names including Mathieu Flamini, Samir Nasri and to a lesser extent Cesc Fabregas. The thought however that three letters could be added to that list have made many of the Arsenal support call for Wenger to ‘break the bank’. Those letters? RVP.
The form that Robin Van Persie has displayed since his return from serious injury at the world cup in South Africa has been nothing short of magnificent. Culminating in a goal tally this season that currently stands at 35 goals in 41 appearances for club and country. Van Persie’s goal scoring exploits and all round contribution to the side has led to many Arsenal fans to call for the scrapping of what is being viewed in some quarters as an antiquated form of penny pinching.
Some fans argue that once the Financial Fair Play rules come into full effect Arsenal will be the winners as they easily fit within the set parameters. However Manchester City’s controversial re-naming of the City of Manchester Stadium to the “Etihad Complex” has shown up a serious flaw in what was a well intentioned idea from UEFA. Deloitte published figures showing that in the 2009/2010 season Arsenal posted a match day revenue of £93.9 million – which was higher than Barcelona (£80.1million), Bayern Munich (£54.6 million) and Chelsea (£67.2 million). With ticket prices steadily rising, the Arsenal fans could be forgiven for wanting to see a return on their substantial financial outlay to support the club.
Arsenal’s wage structure has many plus points however. Squad unity being a massive bonus. When you have a squad where there are several players earning double what others are then friction and resentment are a common result. Once you give in to one players extortionate wage demands you are then making a rod for your own back as the chairman finds a line of expectant agents outside his office demanding larger contracts for their clients. In Arsenal’s case this might be no bad thing as any increased contract could be based on trophies won and not just turning up every week.
Almost everything is in place for Arsenal to become a dominant force in world football. The stadium, the fan base, the manager and the youth academy are all practically second to none. It is however the boards financial restraint that is pulling the handbrake on any good work already completed by Wenger.
It’s far from assured that Arsenal will finish the season in a Champions League qualifying spot and that could have a detrimental affect on whether Van Persie signs a new contract or not – both in footballing and in monetary terms. It’s time that the club get rid of the deadwood in the squad, and keep the players like Van Persie, Szczesny, Vermaelen, Sagna and Wilshere that will form the back-bone of the future success that Arsenal Football Club are sure to benefit from.
Being financially frugal is one thing – six years without a trophy is another.
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If Arsenal don’t pay the market rate for RVP,they will lose him. If you get another player can you be sure he’s as good as the DM?He could be three to five year younger and wages could be a fraction of the DM. Can Arsene guarantee he will be as prolific as RVP.
It’s a gamble not worth taking.Furthermore RVP has shown he is by far the best striker in the epl better than the ugly Brit bulldog at OT or other big names.Remember a striker in hand is worth many more times than strikers waiting to be signed.
Every time a play performs we all forget the years spent by Wenger waiting for them to perform. RVP was always injured but Wenger just like Diaby has refused to sell or let go and today RVP has no choice but to pay back the trust and waiting. If he wants to leave there are a 1000 that will replace him. People come and go and create room for more better people. Either staying or leaving we win in both ways. It is not a big deal. Finger cross. In Arsene we trust not in RVP. The man that makes RVP is still with us making another player in secret and I suspect either Theo or AOC.