ContinueArsenal star Robin van Persie has confirmed that he will not sign a new contract with the Gunners, after one of the transfer sagas of the summer took a new turn.
The Dutch international dealt a hammer blow to the club after announcing on his personal website that his decision was not financial-based, insisting that it “is not my priority at all.”
The 28 year-old, who scored 37 goals last season for Arsenal, is widely expected to depart the club this summer now, with Manchester City thought to be the likeliest destination.
Given the detrimental effect the departures of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas has on the beginning of Arsenal’s season, Arsene Wenger will be mindful of the effect Van Persie’s stance may have on the team ahead of their pre-season schedule.
Van Persie was reported to have met with club officials prior to the start of the European Championships to discuss the club’s direction.
The player confirmed this on his website, but claims that he does not see eye to eye with it’s directors, saying “unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal should move forward. I’ve thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract.”
Arsene Wenger has confirmed signings for Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud and while the Van Persie situation may prove difficult for Gunners fans to accept, it appears as though he has recruited strongly for every outcome.
The Arsenal statement concluded by saying: ” We have to respect Robin's decision not to renew his contract. Robin has one year to run on his current contract and we are confident that he will fulfil his commitments to the club.
"We are planning with ambition and confidence for next season with Arsenal's best interests in mind."
