Manchester United are the latest club to be linked, we think if he does leave Arsenal, it will be for Real Madrid.
The season has not even ended, and speculation over the future of Robin van Persie is going into overdrive.
There are two ways to look at this, either it is just the silly season getting into full-swing, or his agent is working overtime to drum up interest in his client.
A fortnight ago it was Barcelona who issued denials over their interest, ones that history has shown can hardly be trusted, and then it was Manchester City’s turn to be linked.
In the past 24 hours both Italian champions Juventus and a shock link to Manchester United have been touted.
The idea of Van Persie rocking up at the Emirates wearing a Red Devils shirt may be too horrific to contemplate for Gunners fans.
It would again underline their standing in the second tier of the top teams, a rung on the ladder below the title challengers, when really they want to climb it as ascend to the same height.
United being linked with Van Persie is interesting as it reveals an idea of his prospective price tag, United would not be able or willing to afford more than £25 million on a striker.
The idea of the Dutchman linking up in attack with Wayne Rooney is certainly an enticing one, and one which would horrify Premier League defences- between then the pair have scored 56 goals in the league along this season.
But we’d ask United fans to hold their horses on this one, and not get ahead of themselves.
Why? Because we simply can’t see Arsenal sanctioning a sale to such a rival for their star man. They can if they want decide to play hardball and keep him until his contract runs down, or more likely if he said publicly he wants out, try to flog him abroad.
It appears the Dutchman would spurn a move to Juventus, not overly keen on Serie A, and we believe that Real Madrid, rather than Barcelona could be a likely destination for him.
Jose Mourinho knows all about him from his Premier League days, and he would be the perfect replacement for the outgoing Gonzalo Higuain.
The Spaniards are nearly the complete article, but have not won the Champions League since 2002 and are searching for the final piece of the jigsaw puzzle. In freescoring and medal hungry Van Persie, they may just find it.
Two things can still happen to make Arsenal fans feel a lot more confident about keeping their skipper.
1) The league finishes this weekend, and Van Persie will have no reason to delay his decision. If he has been waiting for Arsenal to clinch Champions League qualification, then he will have to score the goals to fire them past West Brom and clinch third.
If the club finish fourth, they may face an anxious wait to see if Chelsea win the trophy, and then have to negotiate the qualifiers. This may not be good enough for the Dutchman, so a result on Sunday is essential, and fifth doesn’t bear thinking about.
2) Euro 2012 may help their chances. No sooner will the league season finish than international talk will begin, with squads already being named around Europe.
Will Van Persie even have time to sort out his future, or will he be too busy with the Dutch? In 2008 the tournament de-railed Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Real Madrid, and in 2010 Cesc Fabregas’ move to Barcelona, both moving a year later.
Robin van Persie’s contract situation means there is more urgency, but will a club be willing to make a huge bid for the striker before the tournament? What if he gets injured?
We can’t see any transfer being concluded until the tournament is over on July 1, by which time it will almost be time for pre-season, and the longer it drags on, the better for Arsenal.
Of course Gooners will hope it is all wrapped up within a week, ending speculation. If Arsenal claim third, Van Persie may just come out and instantly sign on.
The more links with Manchester United and co develop, the more unsettling it gets.
Where do you think Van Persie will play next season?
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
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