As much as the papers will have you believe, it’s not the end of the world for Arsenal just yet. Despite being reliant on Robin Van Persie last season, Arsenal fans should be getting an optimistic feeling of deja vu, as captain Cesc Fabregas and another key player in the form of Samir Nasri departed the club last year, leaving Arsenal in a similar situation. However, Arsene Wenger showed his managerial class and brought in Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta, who, in a midfield 3 with Aaron Ramsey and Alex Song, lead Arsenal to 3rd place, despite constant criticsm of Arteta’s ability in comparison to Fabregas.
Oliver Giroud now finds himself in a similar situation to Arteta, although not thought of as in the same class as RVP, Giroud may surprise the pessimistic of Arsenal fans and show that he can be the man to lead their front line. From what I know of Giroud he is a clinical striker, scoring 21 goals, and creating 9 goals in 36 games in Ligue 1 last season. It is believed that Giroud would add a different dimension to Arsenals flowing football, as he plays a physical style of football, unbeknown to the Arsenal of recent times.
Of course, if Arsenal let RVP leave the club, Wenger could also look for replacements from outside of the Premier League, one possible replacement could be young Fiorentina star Stevan Jovetic, who bagged 14 in 27 Serie A games last season, and has drawn comparisons from some critics to Roberto Baggio, also being referred to as a tricky second striker, with a lot of ability with the ball at his feet. At only 22, Jovetic is surely to only get better, and would suit Wengers policy of signing younger players. (Source: The Metro)
Another player that could possibly replace RVP is Borrusia Dortmunds Robert Lewandowski, the Polish striker scored 22 goals in 34 games as Borrusia took the Bundesliga title. Many papers have previously linked Lewandowski with a switch to Manchester United, however the rumours cooled down, and now, the rumour mill links the striker with a move to the Arsenal. (Source: The Standard)
Whatever happens at Arsenal I have total faith that they will at the least, push very hard for a champions league spot. Arsene has the tactical nous and the knowhow, and despite the fact that he can leave some of us shaking our heads at his decisions. He is a very successful manager and will see Arsenal through the rough patches, and into clear skies again. Robin who?
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“despite constant criticsm of Arteta’s ability in comparison to Fabregas” Really? I haven’t heard that criticism being made since he first signed, seeing as he is playing a completely different role.
“Arsene has the tactical nous and the knowhow,”….that suppose to be a joke right
Robin who?Provided Wenger can any of FA/epl/cl all will be forgotten about RVP.To win a trophy the fm will preferably have to go for quality epl experienced players. That will cost more than imports but that’s how it works. If not the gunners will stagnate and eventually the ES will become a white elephant,thanks to Wenger’s vision .Part ! was successful . Part 2 is riddled with underachievement.
Arsene Wenger …. in his own unassuming cool and shrewd personna will definitely bring in at least 2 classy players that will raise the fans in standing ovation at the Emirates!
As for Van Perie and Walcott just let them go.
There are aplenty of players with potential who are just waiting for the opportunity to show their class ….. this I am sure!
Tired on this van stories; sell him asap.
I know wright, arsenal is bigger than RVP. Wenger will do same great magic, beyond ordinary expectation.
So let the game begin, and test the real force. Arsenal don’t need names, but invests in guality.
Do me a favour in arsene we trust they will sell rvp and wont replace, and to all the so called fans saying robin who? eh hes the guy who clawed us to third in the league, any other clubs fans wud be horrified to lose there best player, imagine united selling rooney, barca selling messi, madrid selling ronaldo or city selling aguero there wud b uproar, but our dillusional fans think its ok we will buy lewandowski or jovetic what makes you think that will happen???? our transfer record was arshavin we wud never shop in that bracket. We make stars not buy them yes thats true and then we sell them!!
Robin Who?robin crap. he will soon be a footnote in AFC’s history!!Sell the idiot and replace him with a young player.
If I ran the meeting, I would open by saying to Van Persie
“You began all this by issuing a statement that you would not extend your contract next summer. Arsenal have made you an improved offer. What is your answer?”
Dependent on his reply, I would close the meeting and either welcome his decision to stay or inform him that he would be placed on the transfer list asap.
its high time wenger let go of v.p,get lewandoski in replacement
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What is happening with VP and whether he will leave or stay is unsettling to Arsenal players and club. In my view if he doesn’t extend his contract immediately, he should leave at once and I am convince there are many top players who want to join Arsenal to replace him, beside I am not entirely sure that his last year’s form will continue next season!!!
Certain principles/ attributes guide a player’s development to superstar status
-1 Talent
-2 Regular games
-3 Coach believes in player and actually says so
-4 Hard work on player’s part / fitness
-5 Injury free / quick recovery from injuries
-6 Confidence of player
-7 Temperament of player
Based on these, Van Persie is actually supposed to be much better than people think he is because he is talented, confident and the Coach’s pet. What if he was injury free and had regular games over the last five years??
Walcott is a beneficiary of Coach’s belief and regular games which has led to more player confidence. Add a sprinkling of the other attributes in various proportions. Based on “Having no football brain” etc. which Arsenal fan would be quaking at the thought of losing Theo?? but based on the principles of balanced player development, the prospect of losing Theo as well as RVP causes fans much discomfort.(Remember Arteta’s season K.O. was compounded by Theo’s K.O. until he managed to show up for the last game which Arsenal actually won. Also while they were absent RVP seemed to lose his Midas Touch). If both players leave, Arsenal will still be able to do what they’ve done very well in the last 6 years. STAND STILL. However to go beyond that Arsenal need to do some of what modern title winning clubs are doing right now. Even if Arsenal were to surprise us all and win the EPL with a mix of fresh talent and regular crocs… big money clubs will decimate the squad before the next season.
With or without him we will always be the gunners, who knows we might just nick it next season.