It's still no foregone conclusion. On the Daily Mirror website, resident Arsenal reporter John Cross suggests that NOT selling van Persie to Manchester United is a point of principle for Arsène Wenger. After all the transfer sagas over the last years, this is where he draws the line.
Sir Alex Ferguson seems unappreciative of Arsenal's stance:
“I don’t have a gut feeling on it at the moment, I must admit. We’re not getting any breakthrough with Arsenal. It’s difficult to say why they’re operating this way. I don’t know what their thoughts are because they’re not giving anything away.”
The Manchester United manager was surprisingly clear when meeting the press after Wednesday's pre-season match against Barcelona. He admitted that they have made a bid. On the other hand, he seems somewhat offended that the bid hasn't been accepted. He complained about Arsenal trying to sell van Persie to other clubs instead, but that shouldn't surprise anyone. Manchester United are rivals, after all.
For once, the professional journalists were more interesting on Twitter than in the media who employ them. Oliver Kay in the Times for one:
RVP situation messy. Told y'day Arsenal really don't want to sell to #MUFC unless for huge fee. #MUFC willing to pay £20m+? I'm sceptical
And Ferguson's comments last night are not exactly going to soften Arsenal's resolve on the matter. Utd aren't going to get him on the cheap
... he continued.
Interesting that Fergie reversed initial decision not to do post-match press conf last night and then spoke freely about RVP.
Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mail noted this break in Sir Alex' traditional way of handling the press, before adding:
It suggests a change of tack with Arsenal. Softly softly has clearly not worked.
Kevin Garside of the Independent replied, suggesting that sir Alex' outpouring was a tactic for this deal only.
@Ian_Ladyman_DM excellent point. SAF trying to flush out #AFC and complete deal for season kick-off.
In fact, the whole pack of reporters fell over themselves reporting this relative lack of discression from Manchester United. Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News also interpreted it as a very conscious message.
Change of tactic from Fergie last night over Van Persie. Softly, softly wasn't working so it was time for can open, quotes everywhere.
The rumours and the rumour-mongers agree then: Manchester United are serious about Robin van Persie.
But what of Manchester City? After signing so many ex-Arsenal players, they would surely fancy themselves as favourites when the best of the lot wants to leave the Emirates?
The press reports suggest, and have suggested for a long time, that City manager Roberto Mancini would have closed that deal weeks ago if he were left alone with the Etihad purse. Alas for the Italian, some very boring executives (and owners) aren't going to let him. Ian Ladyman again:
In May, Mancini wanted striker, quick winger, world class CB and holding mid. Suffice to say tomorrows press conf could be lively. #angry
The local media outlet agrees. If City can't shift Emmanuel Adebayor, Roque Santa Cruz, Edin Dzeko or Carlos Tevez, no room is left for van Persie. And no club would have them as long as they'd insist on keeping their inflated wages.
Still don't think City interest in Van Persie is dead but think money/time is better spent working on De Rossi or Martinez.
Here, Rob Dawson of the MEN believes midfielders are more likely targets now.
As a few have said noises from agent suggest Martinez fancies Bayern. Still think both United and City more in need of a CM than RVP.
'Reporter speaks common sense'-alert. But as we all know, common sense isn't known to be applied when Manchester City and their oil billions ride into town.
Finally, to those making the point that van Persie may still stay at Arsenal. that he has been swayed by the deals the club have made. I don't believe it for a minute.
At 29, Robin van Persie is looking at his last long-term deal as a footballer. He has only played at home and in England. He may well be tempted by Italian and Spanish football. He may be tempted by the trophies that Manchester City will be favourites to win in the next few years, just like the wealth of Chelsea made them favourites some years ago.
But all in all, it's about getting the most out of his last deal. While I'm sure he'd prefer to not upset his family and his kids's upbringing too much (i.e. moving to Russia), I'm equally sure that the club who offers him the most per week is the club he'll want to play for. His problem now is that he is running out of suitors.
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