The transfer saga of the summer is finally over – and Arsenal fans are once again coming to terms with the big-money departure of another club legend.
It’s exactly a year to the day since Cesc Fàbregas left the Gunners to return to the Barcelona team, Robin van Persie’s protracted move to arch-rivals Manchester United become a reality to all.
Losing Van Persie will be a bitter pill to swallow for most Arsenal supporters after the club showed such patience and stood by him throughout his many injury woes. Many fans will be wondering where the goals are going to come from this season as there is no time to replace the forward before the first game.
And losing the man who scored 44 goals for club and country in all competitions last season to United will hurt all the fans.
But let’s look at the bigger picture here on Van Persie’s exit from an Arsenal point of view….
Van Persie is no spring chicken
At 29, it’s probably safe to assume that Van Persie’s best days are behind him. In fact, the Dutchman may just have peaked last season. He may have one or two seasons left but Arsenal were reliant on Van Persie last season, if he played badly then they played badly.
Getting in excess of £20million for a player fast approaching 30 has to be viewed as good business sense, particularly as he had 12 months left on his contract and pretty much had no intention of staying after the 2012/2013 season.
Van Persie could be viewed as Injury prone
Much is made of the fact that injuries have dogged Van Persie throughout his Arsenal career.
When he is fit, the striker is almost unplayable, but the problem was that last season aside he spent long periods out of action. On his way to the golden boot he even had one or two injuries.
Despite the injury proneness he is 6/1 to reclaim his golden boot this season by bookmakers Ladbrokes. If he has a good season at Manchester United then it will be up to himself as to whether this becomes reality for the Dutchman.
He is replaceable
If there’s one thing Arsene Wenger has grown accustomed to in recent years, it’s rebuilding after losing influential players. He lost the likes of Wright, Bergkamp and more and has kept the club near the sharp end of the Premier League.
And with his transfer budget increased by £24million, Wenger will be plotting his next move and eyeing up a couple of younger, promising replacements.
Van Persie has gone and it’s time to move on.
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