Arsene Wenger rules out Robin Van Persie exit
Arsene Wenger has ruled out the possibility of Arsenal selling Robin van Persie, even if their star striker does not extend his contract.
The Holland international’s deal is due to expire in the summer of 2013, leading to fears the club will look to broker a big-money transfer for his services at the end of the season.
Manchester City, who have raided the club for the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Toure
and Samir Nasri
in the past, have been linked, along with Barcelona,
with a move for the 28-year-old.
Wenger now insists Arsenal will not be selling anyone to Roberto Mancini’s
men this summer, 24 hours after playing down City’s interest in Van Persie.
The Gunners boss is known for his ability to get the best value possible for his players, although it now seems he is ready to dig his heels in and retain Van Persie next season regardless of his contractual situation.
“We will not lose anybody to Manchester City, or to anybody else because we want to keep our players,” stated Wenger.
“I can only let people talk. We want to keep Robin Van Persie, that is clear, we will do everything possible to extend his contract, that is clear.
“I was very adamant but at the end of the day, it (Nasri) was a difficult situation to manage,” he continued. “We had the players and we felt that [Aaron] Ramsey and [Jack] Wilshere could work.
“Would we keep Robin even if he doesn’t extend? Yes, of course. Our plan is just to keep Robin van Persie, even if we buy any player.”