Robin Van Persie’s future is a source of growing doubt for all connected with Arsenal.
Contract talks were due to begin in the middle of last week, but no announcement has been made that the Dutchman is going to stay.
The more time drags on, the more worried Arsenal fans are becoming. But is no news good news or bad news?
Through the season, the perceived wisdom had been that Van Persie was waiting to see if Arsenal had achieved Champions League football or not before committing his future.
After the game at West Brom, with which the club clinched third spot, there was no announcement.
On Wednesday, the day negotiations begun, there was no news. A pattern that has repeated itself in the days since.
Should fans be panicking? Not necessarily. The wisest words on the issue have been spoke by former defender Martin Keown, who said: “We need to give Robin time and not suffocate him.”
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He is right, there are many intangibles to the deal which supporters are not aware of, and Van Persie will want the right deal for himself and his family.
If Arsenal are not willing to pay the money he wants, they may decide they have to buckle eventually, or call his bluff.
It sounds from interviews that Van Persie is paving the way for an exit, dodging questions about his future. If he wants to stay, surely there is no reason for doing this, unless he simply wants to keep a strong hand at the game of poker which is the negotiating table.
Should he stay, fans will understand, if he leaves, fans tolerance will be decided on where he ends up.
A move to Manchester City will be viewed far more dimly than one to Real Madrid, while talk of Russians Anzhi Machakala’s interest is surely just a diversion.
If he wants to move, Van Persie has a limited window in which to push through a transfer, and as it ticks down his position will weaken.
Right now, Arsenal fans are worried. Every day where the situation goes on without resolution, the nagging doubts will increase.
But to look at it from another perspective, every day which passes without news of him wanting to leave, is a stay of execution for supporters.
When you fear the worst, no news is good news. And the longer the situation drags on without progress, is a step nearer to August 31.
It is shaping up to be a long summer, and fans should take the small victories day by day.
Arsenal fans, can you bear a summer of waiting?
image: © cactusbeetroot
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