Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger cannot rule out Alex Song following Robin van Persie out of the Emirates door

Cameroon midfielder Song has been linked with a £15 million move to Barcelona.

When asked if the 24 year-old could leave and others come in, Wenger said: "Both can happen.

"This decision (on Song) is not made. No (bid has been made). I cannot tell you more."

The Arsenal manager added: "Midfield is a different area because we have nine or 10 midfielders of top-class quality.

"Just today we have six or seven midfielders available, plus (Jack) Wilshere and (Emmanuel) Frimpong who are coming back. (Abou) Diaby is available again, (Mikel) Arteta, (Santi) Cazorla, (Aaron) Ramsey, (Alex) Oxlade-Chamberlain now plays central midfield - this is an area we have much more freedom to make decisions."

Wenger confirmed central defender Thomas Vermaelen would be the club's new captain following Van Persie's departure. The Holland international is in the process of finalising the formalities of a £24m switch to Manchester United, having earlier in the summer announced he would not be signing a new deal with the Gunners.

Van Persie is the latest of Wenger's key men to move on, following last summer's departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

However, the Arsenal manager is confident Belgian centre-back Vermaelen can lead the club forwards.

Speaking at this morning's press conference ahead of the Premier League opener against Sunderland, Wenger said: "Vermaelen was vice captain, so it is a quick decision.

"I think we have many potential captains, and Mikel Arteta will be the vice captain."

Wenger believes the summer additions of Olivier Giroud, Lukas Podolski and Spain midfielder Cazorla will go someway to offset Van Persie's departure.

"We regret that we have lost a great player and for one simple reason - he only had one year left on his contract. He wanted to go," Wenger said.

"We anticipated this situation might happen, therefore we bought Podolski and Giroud.

"I think we were prepared to keep him of course, but as well the worse (case scenario) was to sell him.

"Selling to a rival was not what we wanted, but there was not much choice.

"We had only one club really interested at the level we thought would be acceptable and that was Manchester United.

"At the end of the day, that was the only decision we could make."

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Robin van Persie to make Manchester United debut at Everton, says Sir Alex Ferguson, as Arsenal deal agreed

United announced last night that they had agreed a fee with Arsenal for the Holland striker, subject to him settling personal terms and passing a medical, which he will undergo in Manchester today.

Ferguson said: "He's not signed yet, but a fee has been agreed. He is on his way up from London for a medical later this afternoon.

"We hope that goes according to plan. His agent is in discussions with (United chief executive) David Gill right about now.

"We hope all the things will be tied up, although sometimes medicals do take a bit longer. I am sure he will be available for Monday's game."

Ferguson likened his present situation to that which he had in 1999 when Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke scored 53 goals during United's Treble-winning campaign, reinforced by Champions League final heroes Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

"They (Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie) are two fantastic players and it will be great to have both of them," said Ferguson.

"What it gives us is more strength and combinations up front.

"Going back to the 1999 season we had Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the four best strikers in Europe.

"We are going towards that now with Javier Hernandez, Wayne Rooney, Robin, Danny Welbeck and Shinji Kagawa.

"It is a fantastic collection of players and hopefully I pick the right combinations

"It is great to have a player of Robin van Persie's qualities to come into the squad. I am very pleased."

Meanwhile Rooney was full of praise for his colleague Tom Cleverley after the 23-year-old impressed for both Team GB at the Olympics and England in their friendly against Italy on Wednesday.

"Tom was fantastic at the Olympics," he said. "He started the season really well last season but unfortunately got injured. He worked hard to get back fit and it's shown now that the Olympics have helped him.

"He looked fit and sharp last night and had a great game for England. That's only going to be good for us and I'm looking forward to getting him back playing."

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Robin van Persie leaving Arsenal for Manchester United cannot distract our campaign, says Thomas Vermaelen

Van Persie is close to finalising a £24 million switch to Premier League rivals Manchester United after signalling his intent to leave Arsenal earlier in the summer when announcing he would not be signing a new deal.

Belgian defender Vermaelen is now likely to inherit the captain's armband and has insisted every player needs to put the disappointment of Van Persie’s exit to one side ahead of their season opener against Sunderland on Saturday.

"He was fantastic for us in the last year, scored lots of goals and I am disappointed he is going, but we have to focus on the next season with Arsenal," Vermaelen told Sky Sports News.

"We have to fight and I am confident we have a squad to win something.

"We start Saturday and this is all clear now, Robin is leaving and we have to move on."

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger insisted the club had no choice but to allow their inspirational skipper to leave the club after he turned down contract terms which would have seen him become the club’s highest paid player ever.

However, he maintains the summer additions Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski will "offset" the loss to the squad, as will the arrival of Spain midfielder Santi Cazorla.

"It is never great to lose players of that quality, but he only had a year contract so we do not have a choice," said Wenger on French TV station TF1.

"We wanted to avoid that at all cost, but we weren't able to. Honestly, I'd have preferred to sell him abroad, to PSG, for example, over Manchester United.

"They have the advantage of having played against him and knowing his great class. He's truly an exceptional player in every sense of the word.

"We have already recruited since we bought (Olivier) Giroud and (Lukas) Podolski who originally were intended to offset the departure of Van Persie."

The Dutch international, who scored 30 goals for Arsenal last season, may not be the only exit from the club this summer with Barcelona interested in a £15 million capture of Cameroon midfielder Alex Song. Russian winger Andrey Arshavin and Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner are also looking for moves.

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What Robin van Persie's move to Manchester United will mean for Arsenal

Wenger did then grudgingly accept that his vision for a young group to grow together, be nurtured together and eventually flourish together, would ultimately be dependent on them sharing his outlook for Arsenal. He was in no doubt, however, that the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Robin Van Persie would all prove themselves to be equally committed. Two years on and we have a rather different answer.

The loyalty of the players was to themselves not Arsenal and, while that might be regrettable, there will also be those queuing up to tell Wenger that he was naive to ever think it could be different.

While Arsenal can argue with some conviction that a fee of £24 million for an injury prone 29-year-old could prove to be an inspired piece of business, the loss of Van Persie is still more damning than past departures. With Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Sol Campbell or even Nicolas Anelka, there was the sense that Arsenal had already had their best years. With Nasri, it was hard to avoid the suspicion it was largely about money. Even with Fabregas, there was his past affiliation with Barcelona.

With Van Persie none of the above necessarily applies. He is at the peak of his powers, Wenger wanted him to stay and he has not gone to a club who are being bankrolled by a billionaire benefactor.

In their adherence to the same self-sustainable principles that Arsenal hold dear, United are their most direct rival. Van Persie has gone primarily because he shares the fear of many supporters that this squad is no longer good enough to win major trophies.

Proving Van Persie wrong now represents the greatest and defining challenge of Wenger’s career.

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Poll: are Manchester United now title favourites after sealing £22m move for Robin van Persie from Arsenal?

Van Persie's arrival is a major coup for Sir Alex Ferguson. The 29-year-old Dutchman had been coveted by Manchester City, whose manager Roberto Mancini spoke in glowing terms about him last week.

And United fans, who over the last few years have become used to seeing all the star names head to City, will certainly be thrilled by the potential of Rooney partnering someone who caused such damage to top flight defences, scoring 30 times in an overall tally of 37 last term, despite Arsenal's obvious inconsistencies.

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Robin van Persie secures £22m move after Manchester United and Arsenal agree on a fee

It is understood that Ferguson’s determination to sign Van Persie convinced the Dutchman that his future lay at Old Trafford, rather than at City, who failed to match Arsenal’s asking price or United’s salary offer.

Van Persie is also believed to have placed high importance on playing for a club steeped in tradition and with a long history of success and United, along with Barcelona, who failed to join the pursuit of the player, were the forward’s favoured options when he announced his decision not to extend his Arsenal contract.

Although Wenger had been determined to retain Van Persie after losing Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri in recent seasons, the player’s decision to issue an incendiary statement in July, which questioned the club’s ambition and blueprint for the future, set in motion his exit from the Emirates.

Following a meeting with Wenger and Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis, Van Persie said in a statement on the player’s website: “Unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we, in many aspects disagree, on the way Arsenal FC should move forward.

“I’ve thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract. You guys, the fans, have of course the right to disagree with my view and decision and I will always respect your opinions.”

After being omitted from Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the Far East to “work on his fitness”, Van Persie was booed by travelling supporters ­during a friendly against Cologne in Germany at the weekend — an episode which accelerated Arsenal’s decision to reopen negotiations with United this week.

Talks resumed between the two clubs on Tuesday and United, who had opened their bidding for Van Persie with an £8 million offer in July, ultimately raised their offer to £15 million, with further payments based on Van Persie’s appearances, goals and silverware won as a United player.

While falling short of the £25 million initially demanded by Arsenal, the North London club claimed last night the deal could ultimately be worth £24 million, although United were adamant it was £22 million.

Van Persie’s signing may also help smooth growing dissent among ­United’s supporters following the recent move by the club’s American owners, the Glazer family, to raise £150 million in a partial share sale on the New York Stock Exchange.

Having had a £30 million bid for Brazilian youngster Lucas Moura accepted by Sao Paulo prior to a late gazumping by Paris St Germain prior to securing Van Persie, United have made their first eye-catching foray into the transfer market since the captures of Nani, Anderson, Owen Hargreaves and Carlos Tevez in the summer of 2007.

The £17 million purchase of Japan midfielder Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund and a deal worth up to £6 million for Crewe youngster Nick Powell ensure that United’s spending will break the £40 million barrier with the acquisition of Van Persie, who is expected to make his debut at Everton on Monday evening.

Speaking last week, United forward Wayne Rooney admitted his excitement at the prospect of playing alongside Van Persie.

"He's a fantastic player," Rooney said. "He's been amazing for Arsenal over many years. If he does come here, he would be a great addition to the squad."

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Arsenal can mount a title bid says Lukas Podolski as the future of Robin van Persie remains uncertain

If Arsenal are not to slip back to being also-rans again next season, then they will have to tighten up a defence which leaked 49 Premier League goals last term - some 20 more than champions Manchester City.

Laurent Koscielny found himself playing alongside several different central partners last season after injuries again took their toll at the back.

The France defender, 26, recently penned a new long-term deal and intends to do all he can to make the Gunners rearguard a secure unit.

"Now I know the Premier League - I am more mature and more physical," Koscielny said.

"You know I like to be tactical and technical in my position, but I have worked hard to be fitter and stronger.

"Now I want to continue my progression with this club.

"I know I played a good season last year, but I want to do more for Arsenal this year. I want to win a trophy."

New Holland coach Louis van Gaal revealed Van Persie had no issue with being asked to play back-up to Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in his future plans for the national team.

Speaking ahead of the friendly against Belgium, Van Gaal told reporters, as quoted by De Telegraaf: "I had a fantastic conversation with Robin. I had to tell him that his situation has changed and that I prefer Huntelaar for now.

"It was a great talk not just about football, but also about life in general.

"I was pleasantly surprised. This was probably one of the best conversations I have ever had with a player.

"It is pretty rare to have such a good talk with a player.

"I told him that the best player plays, but that his situation can quickly change.

"I am confident that there will be a moment where he pulls us through."

Van Gaal added he would happily offer advice on his club situation to Van Persie should he seek it.

"I think the player always has to decide for himself," he said.

"When he wants he can ask me for advice, but then I will speak to him, not to you."

Arsenal duo Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (ankle) and Theo Walcott (thigh) both pulled out of England's game against Italy in Berne with injuries, which could see them doubtful for Saturday's Premier League opener against Sunderland at Emirates Stadium.

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Arsenal and Manchester United making progress over Robin van Persie transfer

United indicated that they were ready to improve their initial bid of around £12 million, which was rejected, and, while the two clubs remain apart in their valuations, they were locked in talks on Tuesday night.

United are understood to be Van Persie’s preferred destination but they are reluctant to spend more than £15 million on someone who is 29 and has a mixed injury record.

Arsenal have made it clear that they want at least £20 million for their captain and star player but there is now a hope that, with add-ons, agreement could be reached on a compromise deal.

Van Persie, meanwhile, has been warned that he can expect to be booed at the Emirates on Saturday if he has not been sold by Arsène Wenger before their Premier League opener against Sunderland.

Although there are doubts about his match fitness, the expectation is that Van Persie will be included in the Arsenal squad if no deal has been completed.

It would be a tense and awkward occasion, however, after Van Persie openly criticised Wenger’s strategy earlier this summer in publicly outlining why he would not sign a new contract.

Samir Nasri played in Arsenal’s first home game of the season in similar circumstances last year but, even though he did eventually join Manchester City, he did not first go public with his desire to leave.

“There will be elements that will boo Robin van Persie at times and the boos do overwhelm everything else,” said Mark Brindle, a spokesman for the Arsenal fans’ group Red Action.

“I think the reaction will be varied and it will be interesting to see what is now said in the captain’s notes in the programme. I think his statement was objectionable.

"I can’t understand people who are disloyal, especially when people have been loyal towards them, but gone are the days when I worry about any one individual player.

"I think most players are mercenaries. If he plays and scores I will cheer because he is scoring a goal for Arsenal.

“If he does go to Manchester United, I’m afraid he will always be seen in the same bracket to most Arsenal fans as Ashley Cole and Samir Nasri. I couldn’t understand his statement.

"He suggests he wants more signings, but who? They have spent this summer on three good players. Does he think we can get Messi?”

Van Persie can expect to more than double his salary at Arsenal if he does move to Manchester United.

Manchester City also retain an interest but Roberto Mancini, the manager, has been told that he must ease the wage bill before signing another striker.

“He’s a great player,” said Vincent Kompany, the Manchester City captain. “He’s proved it so many times last season and any team he would play for he’d make it stronger.”

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Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany hails Arsenal striker Robin van Persie as 'great player'

Roberto Mancini's side have been heavily linked with a move for the 29 year-old although reports today suggest Manchester United are in pole position to sign the Dutch striker.

"It's very easy to say you want to play next to Robin van Persie," said Kompany, the Manchester City captain.

"He's a great player. He's proved it so many times last season and any team he would play for he'd make it stronger."

The Dutchman, whose Arsenal contract expires at the end of the 2012-13 season, announced earlier this summer that he would not renew his deal and was booed by some Arsenal fans during their friendly against Cologne on Sunday.

Team-mate Thomas Vermaelen does not believe the speculation or reception from Arsenal supporters have had a negative effect on the striker, who scored 37 goals last season.

"To me he looks fit and sharp in training," said Vermaelen.

"He's working hard. He's working on his fitness. I don't see anything [different] and I hope he stays the next four years as well.

"I don't know what happens behind the scenes but at the moment I can only say he's a player for Arsenal.

"I feel really positive for the new season. If we all stay fit, the squad is strong enough to compete for the title."

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Man United set to increase their bid for Robin Van Persie

Posted on August 13, 2012 by admin

The Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has apparently decided to increase his bid for the Arsenal captain Robin Van Persie, according to the Manchester Evening News after recently moaning that Arsene Wenger was not being very co-operative after their original bid, which was reported to be 15million GBP.

According the News Ferguson has decided to increase his bid to 20million GBP, which is reputedly the amount that Wenger had asked from Juventus, but the Arsenal boss is also alleged to have made a minimum price of 25million if bids come in from rival Premiership sides.

It is believed that Man United is Van Persie’s preferred destination and Ferguson is hoping that the combination of RVP’s interest and the increased bid will persuade Wenger to sit down with United’s representatives to work out a deal. Also after Van Persie was booed by some of the travelling Arsenal fans during the friendly with Koln yesterday this mat also nudge the Dutchman towards the door.

Wenger himself gave nothing away when he said after the game: “There’s no news on van Persie. Our fans want him to stay so you can understand they are excited. Anything I could say about van Persie would be a lie because he’s our player and that’s it. We want to keep him. I cannot tell you more at the moment because I don’t know more.”

The other interesting bit about this particular article is that it was also reproduced in full on the official Man United website……..

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Arsenal fans deliver muted response as unsettled Robin van Persie takes captain's armband

Leader: Despite announcing earlier in the summer that he wants to leave the club, Van Persie took the captain's armband in Arsenal's final pre-season game Photo: GETTY IMAGES

The Dutchman took the captain’s armband from Thomas Vermaelen after replacing Lukas Podolski in the 69th minute but got a muted reception from the travelling Arsenal fans.

Arsenal got off to the perfect start in the Rhein Energie Stadion as Santi Cazorla’s corner kick was flicked on at the near post by Per Mertesacker for Vermaelen to power in the opening goal with a header at the back post. Podolski doubled the lead against his former club from the penalty spot in the 15th minute after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was brought down in the penalty area.

The German international then got his second three minutes before half-time after a fine pass from Francis Coquelin found Kieran Gibbs on the left.

He got to the byline and cut the ball back for Podolski to apply the finish.

Cologne began the second half better but Arsenal’s inventive attacking play continued to cause the home side problems and they went further behind in the 60th minute as Gervinho cut in from the wing before slotting in at the near post.

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Sir Alex Ferguson disgruntled Arsenal are playing hardball after Man United make Robin van Persie bid

There had been rumours circulating prior to tonight's game that Van Persie was heading to Manchester for a medical.

It seems they were wide of the mark.

"I can't give you any more information," said Ferguson. "We just have to persevere.

"We are trying our best and hopefully it will come our way but there's no progress at this moment in time."

It was the second transfer blow of the day for United, who discovered prior to kick-off that Brazilian midfielder Lucas Moura had joined cash-rich Paris Saint-Germain.

Ferguson was keen to sign the teenage midfielder from Sao Paulo and remained in Manchester at the weekend when his team headed to Norway "to do some business".

The clearest indication Moura was looking elsewhere was that Ferguson jetted out of Manchester prior to Brazil's Olympic semi-final win over South Korea last night, when the midfielder was an unused substitute.

It seems United simply could not compete with PSG's Qatari-backed spending power.

Following the huge purchases of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva, Ferguson stated the world had 'gone mad'.

"I find it quite amazing that a club can pay 45million euros for a 19-year-old boy," said the Scot.

"To tell everyone that PSG are here they've signed Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. They must have spent about £150million in the last month.

"The only deterrent to that is Uefa.

"In the conditions of European football, you don't qualify for Europe by winning the league or coming second - you only get in by invitation.

"That's where, hopefully, Uefa can have some power.

"When somebody's paying £45million for a 19 year-old boy you have to say the game's gone mad."

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Who will buy Robin Van Persie from Arsenal?

Posted on July 09, 2012 by admin

What teams are in for RVP? by KJ

Again it’s another article on the traitor. However, his departure is the top priority of the club at the moment. There are numerous clubs reportedly interested in him, so let’s analyse those that actually have a chance:

Barcelona: Apparently, they’re very interested in the Dutchman. They were even willing to throw David Villa at us (it was reported). They need another striker as Messi rarely has an off day and hence they need another attacking threat. However, Van Persie plays similarly to Messi and hence it would be silly for them to try and get him, especially when they could get someone like Llorente for a similar price.

Real Madrid: They already have two world class strikers in Benzema and Higuain. However, the Argentinian has expressed his worries at the lack of game time he’s getting. As a result, he is looking at a possible move to PSG. If that move does go through, Madrid would definitely look at the possibility of bring RVP to the Bernabeu.

Man City: They have plenty of strikers at the moment with Aguero, Tevez, Balotelli, Dzeko and Adebayor. However, they never can have enough. They also thoroughly enjoyed dismantling every Arsenal team for the last few years. They are looking to get rid of Adebayor and Dzeko so I can see them bidding for Van Persie.

Juventus: The Italian giants are clearly the front runners for the Arsenal striker and they’ve already made a bid albeit a measly one of £8 million. RVP has already visited Turin to see the facilities and the ground. They don’t have any real world class strikers with Vucinic being their best attacking player last season.

PSG: They are also interested and are looking to be the big spenders this summer. They’ve already had a £50 million bid for Thiago Silva rejected and have strengthened with the signing of Lavezzi from Napoli. They could easily offer RVP a contract of £250k a week. However, one thing is certain, if he does end up at the Paris based club, then we all know his motive – money.

There are quite a few clubs that are rumoured to be interested which actually puts Arsenal in a strong position. Although RVP has reduced any fee that Arsenal will get with his ridiculous statement, I’d still expect a healthy £20 million + for the sought after Dutchman.

Robin van Persie's decision not to renew contract gives Alisher Usmanov opportunity to attack Arsenal board

In a wide-ranging and scathing five-page letter, Usmanov accused Arsenal's board, which is led by majority shareholder Stan Kroenke, of selling the club’s best players and replacing them with cheaper alternatives. He also expressed his “deep reservations” about their policies, which he claimed were causing players to question their futures and the club’s ambitions.

The timing of the letter, less than 24 hours after Van Persie’s announcement that he would not sign a new contract, could hardly have been worse for Arsenal. The club, however, maintain that they are fully committed to a self-funding approach which, they argue, will secure both their long-term future and ultimately also offer the best chance of success.

This view is evidently not shared by Usmanov or Van Persie, who admitted publicly on Wednesday that he disagreed with Arsène Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis “on many aspects” of how the club should move forward.

Wenger will now seek urgent talks with Van Persie to determine whether the situation is retrievable. Arsenal’s official stance is that they are “confident” Van Persie will see out a contract which does not expire until next year but his release of such a provocative statement, without warning, clearly makes this very difficult.

Although no club can match Manchester City’s financial firepower, it is understood that Van Persie is also attracted by interest from both Juventus and Manchester United. There is pressure to resolve the situation quickly, with Van Persie scheduled to lead Arsenal on their pre-season tour of Asia, beginning on July 21.

Arsenal have already spent £24million this summer on signing two new strikers in Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud but Wenger will meet his scouts next week to determine his other priorities. Fiorentina captain Stevan Jovetic and Poland forward Robert Lewandowski are among the players being monitored.

Usmanov, who owns just under 30 per cent of Arsenal, made it clear that he regards the debt from building the Emirates as the root cause of the club’s recent failure to win trophies and keep key players happy.

With his business partner Farhad Moshiri, he has long called for a rights issue that would release share equity to pay off a debt that peaked at £318million in 2008 but now costs the club around £14?million a year. That would require an extra financial commitment from existing shareholders, primarily Kroenke and Usmanov, although would probably also place penalty bank charges on the club for the early loan repayment.

“It is down to our manager and not the shareholders to have to deal with the club’s tight finances, carry the burden of repaying the stadium debt by selling his best players and having to continue to find cheaper replacements,” said Usmanov.

“This policy is leading to the loss of our best players, often to our main competitors, and even causes the players themselves to question their future at the club and the club’s ambitions. The situation with our captain and outstanding performer from last season, Robin van Persie, sums this up.

“Yet again we are faced with losing our true marquee player because we cannot assure him of the future direction and give confidence that we can win trophies.”

As well as Van Persie, Theo Walcott is now into the final year of his contract and is the subject of interest from both Chelsea and Paris St-Germain.

“You can try and put a good face on a bad game for as long as you want, pontificating about the merits of this model, but it will not hide the obvious fact that it just does not allow our great manager [Wenger] to fully realise his managerial talent and deliver success for the fans who are paying the highest prices in the land,” said Usmanov.

He also claimed that securing a place in the Champions League “will be the pinnacle of our ambition again next season” and warned that, in the future, “we may see this ambition lowered further”.

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Manchester City would win Champions League if Robin van Persie joined from Arsenal believes Kolo Toure

City had been linked with the Holland international even before he announced on Wednesday he would not be extending his contract, which has a year to run, with the Gunners.

Having played with him at Arsenal, Toure is well aware of what Van Persie can offer a side and would welcome him at City.

''Robin is a top player. I've played with him, I know him and he's a great man,'' the centre-back is reported as saying by the Manchester Evening News.

''At City we have great players and the club does what it wants in transfers.

''But for me, if Robin comes it's great because I know what he can do.

''You have to build your squad every year to do better; to win the Champions League is very difficult as we have seen.''

In confirming on his website that he would definitely not sign a new deal, then Dutch forward said it had “become clear to me that [myself, Arsène Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis] in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward”.

Van Persie’s statement has been interpreted as a blatant attempt to force a move this summer and, while Arsenal have received no bids or inquiries, the clear suspicion is that he is now actively trying to generate an auction among Europe’s leading clubs.

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Arsenal players know nothing of Robin van Persie situation

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Spend £100 million and Robin van Persie may stay Arsenal are told

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Robin van Persie's decision to leave Arsenal leads to sense of deja vu all for fans and manager alike

Discussions are understood to have been held directly between Arsène Wenger and Van Persie over the last 72 hours but, unlike when Sir Alex Ferguson somehow talked Wayne Rooney back from a similar situation two seasons ago, there is no sense of any rapprochement.

Arsenal might say that they are confident Van Persie will honour a contract which expires next summer but they will also now listen to offers for their captain. Indeed, the most significant part of Arsenal's official statement was the promise to plan with the club’s “best interests in mind”.

In practice what that means is that there will be no cheap deal. It leaves open the possibility of another drawn-out summer saga involving their captain and the problem of how to deal with their looming pre-season tour to Asia. Van Persie, Wenger and rest of the squad are due to touch down in Kuala Lumpur in exactly two weeks. Having received £24million for a lesser, albeit younger, player in Samir Nasri last summer, Arsenal value Van Persie at beyond £20million.

That stance would clearly make Manchester City favourites over Manchester United, who are also interested, although the possibility of a move to Italy cannot be dismissed. Unless one of the two big Spanish clubs become actively involved, Juventus is the most realistic European destination.

The Serie A champions are willing to break their wage structure for Van Persie and would get close to the £200,000-a-week that would be on offer at Manchester City. Whether they would also pay a transfer fee in excess of £20? million is more doubtful. That reality still makes Manchester City the favourites.

Indeed, by not rushing in this week and instead focusing on deals to reduce their wage bill — Wayne Bridge has joined Brighton and Emmanuel Adebayor’s prospective move to Tottenham is progressing — the Premier League champions have already shown considerable self-confidence.

As for Arsenal, Van Persie’s explosive statement has also been the catalyst for more fundamental questioning of the club’s strategy, with the cracks further widening this week between majority owner Stan Kroenke and Alisher Usmanov, the second largest shareholder.

Usmanov sent a scathing five-page open letter to the board in which he blamed their policies for not only Van Persie’s disillusionment but also last year’s departures of Cesc Fabregas and Nasri.

He landed some well aimed blows, largely on previous shareholders, including David Dein, Peter Hill-Wood, Lady Bracewell-Smith and the late Danny Fiszman, for profiting so handsomely from their own stakes in the club at a time when Arsenal have been trying to keep up with the spending of Chelsea and Manchester City.

A rights issue to pay off stadium debt was again suggested, although it was also notable that Usmanov’s statement did not suggest spending that went beyond the principle of self-sufficiency.

Hill-Wood has already noted the bank penalty charges they would incur for the early repayment of a stadium loan that now only costs the club around £14 million a year to service.

Arsenal, then, cannot see how Usmanov’s suggestion would be the ‘game-changing’ change in strategy to allow Wenger to compete financially with Manchester City, Real Madrid or Chelsea. It is also clear that his outburst has lessened rather than increased the chance of Kroenke meeting him, let alone involving him. With Financial Fair-Play supposedly coming into the force and the chance for a whole range of new commercial deals in 2014, Arsenal remain adamant that their policies will ultimately deliver.

There was also frustration that the attacks from Van Persie and Usmanov should come so early during a transfer window in which they have actually been quite active. “Lukas Podolski has 100 caps for Germany and Olivier Giroud was the top scorer in France,” said one source. “We have great young players coming through and we improved to finish third last year. What money we have is available to spend. We are doing everything we can to succeed.”

The underlying problem, of course, is the chasm that exists between the expectations around Arsenal (expectations that Wenger largely created) and the reality of the wider landscape in which he now operates. Wenger admitted last year that it had been the most testing summer of his career and he said that he could write a book on what had happened behind the scenes. He was not, however, expecting such a messy sequel so soon.

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