Barcelona, Real Madrid and even Manchester City have been linked with the Dutch striker. But how much might they have to pay to secure his signature?
Transfer fees are have the potential to be as astronomical as they do unpredictable. Seeing Andy Carroll and Fernando Torres struggle to repay their combined £85 million price tags goes to show there are no guarantees.
Or are there, Cristiano Ronaldo has repaid almost every penny of the £80 million Real Madrid paid for his services with his performances, would Robin van Persie adapt to a new club with the same ease?
Of course Arsenal do not want to sell, but if they fail to finish fourth, with van Persie having just one more year on his contract they risk losing him for nothing a year later.
Here is our assessment of how much he might be worth, let us know what you think?
£20 million? No chance, Arsenal would consider that as insult.
£30 million? Arsenal would have to consider such a bid, but they would be silly to accept an offer so low.
£35 million? It just makes you think of Andy Carroll doesn’t it. In that case, Arsenal should forget accepting this offer.
£40 million? That’s more like it, Arsenal could potentially hold out for more, but it depends whether van Persie stays silent or announces he wants to leave. If he did it would leave Arsenal in a weaker negotiating position? They would have to consider accepting this offer whether they like it or not. Barcelona have said today they won’t pay ‘mad’ fees for van Persie or Bale, so this may be a high as they can afford.
£45 million? Again this is a realistic valuation for the Dutchman, but Arsenal would be advised to hold out for…
£50 million? Bingo. Arsenal may not want to sell, but £50 million is an incredible offer for a player with one year left on his contract. The question is whether Madrid or Barcelona would be prepared to pay it? Barcelona perhaps not, but Real Madrid may go all out. Arsenal would double their transfer kitty in one sale, and could buy a whole new squad with the money.
£60 million? We doubt the transfer chase would go this high. Only if there is a bidding war may it escalate this highly, but don’t put anything past Manchester City.
Priceless? Well this would be the assessment of many Arsenal fans, but if the club fail to finish in the top four, even the most optimistic supporter will understand that selling their prized asset is a possibility. If van Persie refuses to sign a new contract, should the club keep him for another year and risk losing him for nothing?
Our verdict: Robin van Persie’s future depends on Arsenal finishing in the Champions League places. If they do, the club can spend their rumoured £55 million treasure chest on players who can inspire the Dutchman to stay. If Arsenal finish fifth or worse, they face little choice but to sell a player whose ambition they can no longer fulfil. They could fetch up to £50 million for him, but they would have to do it early, the club won’t want another scenario like Fabregas and Nasri where the sagas drag on all summer and hinder the club’s pre-season preparations.
How much do you think Robin van Persie is worth in today’s market?
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
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