Arsenal has dug its heels in deep and the asking price of £25 million for RVP is proving too much for the Bianconeri. Out of the three clubs in the race, Juve had come closest to matching Arsenal’s price reportedly in the region of £16m which is £4m more than what Utd and City had to offer. Their personal terms were also favourable with the Italian side ready to plonk down £190,000 good ones every week to match whatever City had in mind.
The Gunners have obviously seen what playing hardball can get you with what is happening at White Hart Lane over Luka Modric, who has even less reasons to leave, having signed a 6 year contract in 2010. Real Madrid is balking at Daniel Levy’s demand of £40m and now there are signs that Modric is cooling off on a departure. He rejoined training and also apologized to Andre Villas-Boas for missing out on the US pre-season tour.
Utd have their hands full with the Lucas Moura deal now spiraling out of control and City still to off load their boatloads of bench warming strikers. There is some talk about a Edin Dzeko swap and some cash to boot but Milan is probably the Bosnian striker’s preferred destination.
All this complicates a Van Persie departure and there is a growing feeling Arsenal maybe better off holding his feet to the fire and see him play out his final year on his contract. Its risky but then Van Persie will be approaching 30 and he will have to deliver if he wants to go to his choice of club or else re-sign at lower wages with Arsenal.