Arsenal cannot afford to lose Robin Van Persie

Dutch striker Robin Van Persie scored an injury-time winner as Arsenal defeated Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield.

Van Persie had already scored the equaliser to get the Gunners back into the game after defender Laurent Koscielny had put through his own goal.

Prolific

Van Persie has now scored 25 goals in the Premier League and 31 in all competitions this season. That’s an incredible record for any player, in any league. The Dutch international looks set to claim the Premier League golden boot.

Injuries

Robin Van Persie had been plagued by injuries until about 18 months ago. The 28 year-old could never get a decent run of games in the team because of all the niggling injuries. He now seems to have put those problems behind him.

Since he has put those injury problems behind him he has became the player that he always believed he could be and became a world-class striker.

Matured

Robin Van Persie has matured both as a person and as a player in the last couples of years. In his early years at the club Van Persie was considered by many as arrogant and some pundits had doubts over his attitude.

He always had faith in his ability and that faith has paid off. The striker has definitely became a more rounded person in recent years and he has shown excellent leadership skills as captain of the team. Questions were asked about his suitability to be captain but he has lead by example and defended his teammates when needed as well.

Important

His importance to the Gunners cannot be stated strongly enough. Without him Arsenal would be in major trouble this season. He hasn’t only scored goals but he has provided numerous assists as well. Van Persie is Arsenal’s talisman and if they lose him then they will lose their last remaining world-class player.

Contract

Van Persie’s contract expires in the summer of 2013. How Arsenal have let his contract come so close to its end is beyond me. The Dutchman has stated that he will decide where his future lies at the end of the season, that he wants to concentrate on football until then.

The striker has been linked with moves to the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona. He is likely to command a big transfer fee but that won’t be a problem for the Spanish giants.

Another club who are believed to interested in Van Persie are Manchester City. A move to the Etihad Stadium looks more likely than a move to Spain. Both Spanish giants have an embarrassment of riches up front.

However, Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini prefers to have four strikers in his squad. Carlos Tevez’s return to the City squad may prove short-lived and City could be down to three strikers again in the summer.

Loyal

Robin Van Persie has been loyal to the club and there is no doubt that he would like to fulfil his ambitions of winning trophies at Arsenal. He hasn’t managed to do that at the Emirates Stadium and it looks like he is waiting to see what happens in the summer to decide whether to sign a new contract or move on.

Enjoy

Arsenal fans are enjoying Robin Van Persie’s form this season and hopefully for Gunners fans he will stay at the club. However the form he is currently displaying could lead to him moving elsewhere. I suggest Arsenal fans enjoy the Dutchman while they can because his future seems very unclear.

Will Robin Van Persie stay at Arsenal?