It has been seven years since Arsenal has won a major trophy in England or in Europe. The sad fate of the team has resulted in fans demanding more from the players as well as the manager. Now, the club’s major shareholder Stan Kroenke also faces pressure from supporters as they have started questioning the entrepreneur’s investment in the club. Nothing except the signing of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has raised any serious interest among spectators and critics. What troubles the fans even more is the reality that their star striker Robin Van Persie’s contract ends next year.
Van Persie had previously refused to discuss any further long term interest in the future until the summer, but now there are reports that Van Persie and his management has already started talking about his future at the club. According to latest news, discussions will be held at the highest levels of the club and it is hoped that a deal will be finalized by the end of the season but as it has been years since Arsenal has raised any serious challenges for the Premier League title it is far from certain that the captain will sign any new deal.
Until last year, the top four in the Premier League never suffered any serious challenges, but things have changed in the past few years and the rise of Tottenham and money-rich Manchester City are realities staring right at Arsenal’s Champions League slot.
In such a testing environment Arsenal would definitely be forced to raise the salary of their best player and offer a massive signing-on fee. However, Van Persie’s willingness to talk with the club is definitely a positive step, but who believes that it will have a happy ending for Arsenal?