Thursday, August 16, 2012

Why losing your leader is no laughing matter


Why losing your leader is no laughing matter



If you’d have said a year ago that Robin van Persie would join Manchester United, I would have laughed.
Players have left for the lure of Barcelona and the riches of Manchester City but not United — not the team Arsenal have so long considered their rivals.
Seeing their captain and top goalscorer leave for Old Trafford will hurt the fans and Arsene Wenger. Van Persie was adored and cherished by those Arsenal supporters.
Hi there: Robin van Persie has walked out on Arsenal
Hi there: Robin van Persie has walked out on Arsenal
Here he is: Robin van Persie arrives for his medical
He was their leader, captain and top goalscorer. It seems every summer now Arsenal lose world-class players — they have become a donor to other clubs.
The Emirates was supposed to be the promised land but the club is losing players.
That is so hard for the fans because it’s difficult to retain any excitement.
It’s a long way from the fantasy football Manchester City have experienced in the transfer market in the past few years or how United will feel after signing Van Persie.
For the player, the chance to go to a fantastic club, maybe win some trophies and earn more money will have been tough to turn down.
It’s not something that would have happened a few years ago when the two clubs were huge rivals. Then it was very hard to leave Arsenal for a rival because we were so successful. When I left Arsenal, Tottenham briefly sounded me out but there was no way I could do that.
I wonder what having to sell Van Persie is doing to Wenger. He’s a hugely ambitious man, a great visionary and the last thing he wants to do is repeatedly sell his best players.
Wenger is proud of the economics of the club and won’t have wanted to lose Van Persie for nothing with his contract ending next summer. In that sense they got the best possible deal. But they would rather have the player.
The players left behind have been here before, seeing  Alexander Hleb, Emmanuel Adebayor, Gael Clichy, Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri leave.
They will have learnt from last summer about how to deal with losing team-mates.
Back then, they struggled early in the season because they were grieving. I’m confident they won’t this time around and will take responsibility.
Having said that, it will take another minor miracle from Wenger to get them into the top four again. But he is their glimmer of hope.
Keep your head down: Arsenal fans are furious with the man who was their captain
Keep your head down: Arsenal fans are furious with the man who was their captain
 


I've got a new Fab Four! £250k-a-week Van Persie fires up Fergie ahead of new season


I've got a new Fab Four! £250k-a-week Van Persie fires up Fergie ahead of new season




Sir Alex Ferguson has warned his rivals that he has assembled one of the most fearsome strikeforces in Europe as Manchester United tied up their £24million capture of Arsenal’s Robin van Persie.
The Dutchman is set to make his United debut in Monday’s Barclays Premier League opener at Everton after having a medical in Manchester on Thursday while his representatives negotiated personal terms in the region of £250,000 a week, or £12m a year, the same as Wayne Rooney.
Van Persie, 29, will now join forces at Old Trafford with Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck, who greeted his arrival on Thursday by promising ‘goals galore’ this season.
Fab fours: (top left-right) Javier Hernandez, Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck and 1999 team (bottom left-right) Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Teddy Sheringham, Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke
Fab fours: (top left-right) Javier Hernandez, Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck and 1999 team (bottom left-right) Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Teddy Sheringham, Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke
Ready for action: Van Persie arrives for his United medical
Ready for action: Van Persie arrives for his United medical
 
Add the creative spark of Shinji Kagawa and Ferguson believes he has an attack to rival the unstoppable combination of Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who fired United to a League, Champions League and FA Cup Treble in 1999.
Asked about pairing Rooney with Van Persie, Ferguson said: ‘They’re two  fantastic players and it’s great to have them both. What gives us even more strength are the combinations I have up front. If you go back to the 1999 season when I had Dwight and Andy, Teddy and Ole Gunnar, they were the four best strikers in Europe.
‘I think I’m getting towards that now. I’ve got Chicharito, Wayne, Robin, Danny Welbeck and Kagawa. It’s a fantastic collection of players — hopefully I pick the right  combinations. It’s great to have a player of Van Persie’s quality come into the squad.
‘The fee has been agreed and we’re delighted with that, of course. Obviously we hope that his medical goes according to plan. Sometimes medicals take a bit longer but I’m sure he’ll be available for Monday’s game.’
Here I am: Van Persie will strike fear into the heart of Manchester City
Here I am: Van Persie will strike fear into the heart of Manchester City
Launch: Sir Alex Ferguson was speaking at the club's link-up with sponsor bwin
Launch: Sir Alex Ferguson was speaking at the club's link-up with sponsor bwin
Knowing that Van Persie had only 12 months left on his contract, Arsenal finally relented in their fight to stop the striker from joining United and accepted an improved offer on Wednesday.

TOM CLEVERLEY ON RVP

He just adds to our goalscoring ability with Wellbeck, Rooney, Hernandez, Berbatov. I've admired him at Arsenal, he is a world class player, a goalscorer and is proven in the Premier League. All those three things will help us. I think Rooney and Van Persie were the top goalscorers in the Premier League last season and hopefully they can score as many this year.
The arrival of last season’s Premier League top scorer threatens Welbeck’s starting spot alongside Rooney, but the young England striker echoed his manager by insisting United will benefit from the competition for places.
‘It’s going to be shared out and hopefully once you’re out there it’s goals galore for Manchester United,’ said Welbeck.
‘He’s a player with great ability and a world-class striker. He can score goals and create goals as well. They’re the type of players who win you titles.
‘It’s given the club a massive boost, everyone is delighted to have him. I’m really looking forward to playing with him.
‘It’s good to have competition. At United there’s no time to sit back anyway. You never get time to rest on your laurels. You’ve always got to work hard because there are always things to improve on.
On the move: Bookmakers Coral were quick to set up this stunt outside the Emirates
On the move: Bookmakers Coral were quick to set up this stunt outside the Emirates
United front: Ferguson has finally got his man by agreeing a deal for Robin van Persie
United front: Ferguson has finally got his man by agreeing a deal for Robin van Persie

WELBECK ON SQUAD ROTATION

Once the season gets under way the manager will be good with squad rotation. It's a good problem for him to have. He's got a good variety of strikers to use and hopefully he picks the right team and we can win as many titles as possible.
‘I think once the season gets underway the manager will be good with squad rotation. But it’s a good problem for him to have.’
Welbeck also welcomed Ferguson’s comparison to the team of ’99. Asked if the four strikers are all capable of making their mark, he said: ‘Yes, definitely. We’ve got a good variety of strikers and we’re all capable of scoring goals.
‘I was a massive United fan and watched that whole season all the way through. Cole, Yorke, Sheringham, Solskjaer — that was a great strikeforce.
‘Being at United you learn to play with different types of strikers and players. Once we get training together I think everyone will be gelling perfectly.’
Final hurdle: The protracted deal could soon be concluded if the Gunners accept the offer for their captain
Final hurdle: The protracted deal could soon be concluded if the Gunners accept the offer for their captain
Final hurdle: The protracted deal will, Ferguson hopes, be concluded in time for RVP to face Everton
Concern had been growing in the United camp during pre-season that their strikers have lacked sharpness in front of goal. But sources said that the mood had been transformed by Van Persie’s imminent arrival.
And Rio Ferdinand believes that Van Persie, who scored 37 goals last season, will not disappoint.
‘There have been many players who have come to Manchester United and not met expectations,’ he said. ‘Expectations here are higher than anywhere in the world — some do brilliantly and some don’t fare quite so well. I’ve got no worries about Robin, though. He’s a very good professional.
Talisman: Van Persie bagged the vast majority of Arsenal's goals last season
Talisman: Van Persie bagged the vast majority of Arsenal's goals last season
'I know his main aim won’t be a selfish one — it will be all about winning trophies. And if he can score goals like he did last year then we’ll all be smiling come the end of the season.
‘We’re bringing a big name into an environment that already has a lot of big names, especially in the forward department, so it’s definitely going to shake things up. But it’s going to be great for the squad.’
Michael Carrick, who was on duty with England on Wednesday, also commented on the deal. 
He said: 'Someone mentioned in the dressing room about Van Persie and if it goes through, it will be brilliant. He had a terrific season and he will further strengthen our squad. It is a great boost going into the new season.
'He is a world class player and we have always been about bringing in players of that ability.
'Can it make the difference between second and first? There wasn't much difference so hopefully we can go that step further! But the club has always had strength in depth and it is about the squad and not the 11 on the pitch.'
 


RVP


Van Persie arrives at hospital to undergo medical as United transfer nears completion


 
Robin van Persie arrived at Bridgewater Hospital on Thursday night to undergo a medical ahead of his long-awaited move to Manchester United.
The 29-year-old's signing is expected to be announced on Friday morning from Arsenal for a reported fee of £24million, before the 12pm registration deadline for the weekend's Barclays Premier League games.
United fought off competition from Manchester City and Juventus to bring the Dutch striker to Old Trafford and hope he will be able to feature against Everton on Monday.
All smiles: Robin van Persie has arrived at Bridgewater Hospital to undergo his Manchester United medical
All smiles: Robin van Persie has arrived at Bridgewater Hospital to undergo his Manchester United medical
All smiles: Robin van Persie has arrived at Bridgewater Hospital to undergo his Manchester United medical
All smiles: Robin van Persie has arrived at Bridgewater Hospital to undergo his Manchester United medical
 
Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed United will possess arguably Europe's most fearsome strike force when van Persie arrives.
Ferguson has spoken about the new-look attacking options of Van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez, and the comparisons with the 1999 set of Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Speaking at a press conference, Ferguson said: 'They (Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie) are two fantastic players and it will be great to have both of them. It gives us more strength and more combinations up front.
'In 1999 I had Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the four best strikers in Europe.
Let's go: Robin van Persie was filmed arriving at St Pancras off the Eurostar
Let's go: Robin van Persie was filmed arriving at St Pancras off the Eurostar
'We are going towards that now with Javier Hernandez, Wayne Rooney, Robin, Danny Welbeck and Shinji Kagawa.
It is a fantastic collection of players and hopefully I pick the right combinations It is great to have a player of Robin van Persie's qualities to come into the squad. I am very pleased.'
Even one of the players whose place is threatened expressed his delight, with Welbeck keen to welcome Van Persie into the United fold.
'It is a massive boost to the club if Robin van Persie joins us,' he said. 'I am really looking forward to playing with him.
United front: Van Persie made it clear he would not sign a new deal at Arsenal
United front: Van Persie made it clear he would not sign a new deal at Arsenal
'His agent is in discussions with (United chief executive) David Gill right about now. We hope all the things will be tied up, although sometimes medicals do take a bit longer. I am sure he will be available for Monday's game.'
Arsene Wenger has admitted that Arsenal were powerless to stop Robin van Persie signing for Manchester United.
Wenger has the best part of two weeks to spend some of the money before the transfer window is closed. He said on French TV on Wednesday night: ‘It’s sad to lose a player of his quality. He had only one year left on his contract so we didn’t have the choice.’
Asked who he would recruit, Wenger said: 'We already signed Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud.'
Final hurdle: Sir Alex Ferguson has been busy in the transfer market this summer
Final hurdle: Sir Alex Ferguson has been busy in the transfer market this summer
Van Persie is the first Arsenal player to join United since Viv Anderson in 1987 and the move has riled Gunners fans, who took to Twitter to abuse him.
United are understood to have agreed a £15m downpayment for last season’s Footballer of the Year and Players’ Player — who scored 30 Premier League goals for last season. That will rise to £24m depending on appearances. Van Persie is expected to sign a four-year contract worth over £200,000 a week.
A statement on United’s website said: ‘Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Arsenal for the transfer of Robin van Persie. The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms.’
In signing Van Persie, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has laid down a clear marker ahead of the new season. It is the first time the club have paid  for a big name since Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham for £30.75m in 2008.
Having decided two or three years ago they would not sign players over the age of 27, United have signified just how far they are prepared to go to wrest the title back from City.
Talisman: Van Persie bagged the vast majority of Arsenal's goals last season
Talisman: Van Persie bagged the vast majority of Arsenal's goals last season



Van Persie arrives at hospital to undergo medical as United transfer nears completion

The 29-year-old's signing is expected to be announced on Friday morning from Arsenal for a reported fee of £24million, before the 12pm registration deadline for the weekend's Barclays Premier League games.
United fought off competition from Manchester City and Juventus to bring the Dutch striker to Old Trafford and hope he will be able to feature against Everton on Monday.
All smiles: Robin van Persie has arrived at Bridgewater Hospital to undergo his Manchester United medical
All smiles: Robin van Persie has arrived at Bridgewater Hospital to undergo his Manchester United medical
All smiles: Robin van Persie has arrived at Bridgewater Hospital to undergo his Manchester United medical
All smiles: Robin van Persie has arrived at Bridgewater Hospital to undergo his Manchester United medical
 
Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed United will possess arguably Europe's most fearsome strike force when van Persie arrives.
Ferguson has spoken about the new-look attacking options of Van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez, and the comparisons with the 1999 set of Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Speaking at a press conference, Ferguson said: 'They (Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie) are two fantastic players and it will be great to have both of them. It gives us more strength and more combinations up front.
'In 1999 I had Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the four best strikers in Europe.
Let's go: Robin van Persie was filmed arriving at St Pancras off the Eurostar
Let's go: Robin van Persie was filmed arriving at St Pancras off the Eurostar
'We are going towards that now with Javier Hernandez, Wayne Rooney, Robin, Danny Welbeck and Shinji Kagawa.
It is a fantastic collection of players and hopefully I pick the right combinations It is great to have a player of Robin van Persie's qualities to come into the squad. I am very pleased.'
Even one of the players whose place is threatened expressed his delight, with Welbeck keen to welcome Van Persie into the United fold.
'It is a massive boost to the club if Robin van Persie joins us,' he said. 'I am really looking forward to playing with him.
United front: Van Persie made it clear he would not sign a new deal at Arsenal
United front: Van Persie made it clear he would not sign a new deal at Arsenal
'His agent is in discussions with (United chief executive) David Gill right about now. We hope all the things will be tied up, although sometimes medicals do take a bit longer. I am sure he will be available for Monday's game.'
Arsene Wenger has admitted that Arsenal were powerless to stop Robin van Persie signing for Manchester United.
Wenger has the best part of two weeks to spend some of the money before the transfer window is closed. He said on French TV on Wednesday night: ‘It’s sad to lose a player of his quality. He had only one year left on his contract so we didn’t have the choice.’
Asked who he would recruit, Wenger said: 'We already signed Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud.'
Final hurdle: Sir Alex Ferguson has been busy in the transfer market this summer
Final hurdle: Sir Alex Ferguson has been busy in the transfer market this summer
Van Persie is the first Arsenal player to join United since Viv Anderson in 1987 and the move has riled Gunners fans, who took to Twitter to abuse him.
United are understood to have agreed a £15m downpayment for last season’s Footballer of the Year and Players’ Player — who scored 30 Premier League goals for last season. That will rise to £24m depending on appearances. Van Persie is expected to sign a four-year contract worth over £200,000 a week.
A statement on United’s website said: ‘Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Arsenal for the transfer of Robin van Persie. The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms.’
In signing Van Persie, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has laid down a clear marker ahead of the new season. It is the first time the club have paid  for a big name since Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham for £30.75m in 2008.
Having decided two or three years ago they would not sign players over the age of 27, United have signified just how far they are prepared to go to wrest the title back from City.
Talisman: Van Persie bagged the vast majority of Arsenal's goals last season
Talisman: Van Persie bagged the vast majority of Arsenal's goals last season


Wednesday, August 15, 2012


Robin van Persie: Man Utd agree £24m deal with Arsenal for striker

Manchester United have agreed a £24m deal to sign Arsenal striker Robin van Persie on a four-year contract.
The 29-year-old will meet with United in the next 48 hours to discuss personal terms and have a medical.
Arsenal captain Van Persie announced in July he would not extend his current deal, which expires in June 2013.
"Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement for the transfer of Robin Van Persie," the club said in a statement. 
"The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms. A further announcement will be made in due course."

Arsenal careerThe Netherlands international, who scored 44 goals in 57 games for club and country last season, maintained he would not discuss his future until after Arsenal's final match at West Brom on 12 May.

Wenger and Van Persie disagreed on their vision for the club, transfer activity and the team's performance in the 2011-12 campaign.
No contract was discussed and Van Persie joined the Dutch squad on 17 May to begin their preparations for Euro 2012.
He announced he would not be extending his contract on 4 July and returned to training on 17 July, the same week he was the subject of bids from United, Manchester City and Juventus.
All three offers fell short of Arsenal's valuation - they were reluctant to enter formal negotiations until a bid exceeded £20m, and hoped to hold out for £25-30m.
United, City and Juventus increased their offers but, of the three, United were the only side Van Persie would consider joining.

Past transfer d

But Wenger pulled him aside shortly before Sunday's friendly victory over Cologne,  told him he would be sold if a deal could be reached and informed the Dutchman he was no longer part of his plans.
Formal discussions between Arsenal and United began immediately, with Gazidis and United chief executive David Gill agreeing a fee of £22.5m on Tuesday, only for it to be vetoed by Wenger as he held out for £25m.
On Wednesday morning, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson called Wenger to offer £23m and Wenger quoted him £24m.
But a compromise was finally reached on Wednesday evening and Van Persie will travel to Manchester on Thursday to discuss terms and begin his medical.
Van Persie was named Professional Footballers' Association and Football Writers' player of the year but scored only once as the Netherlands were eliminated at the group stage of Euro 2012.

Red Van Man


Red Van Man! Fergie finally seals £24m deal for Gunners captain RVP

 
Fantasy football 2012
Manchester United sealed the signing of the summer on Wednesday night when Arsenal agreed to sell Robin van Persie to their Barclays Premier League rivals for £24million.
After weeks of negotiating with Arsenal and the Holland striker, United have beaten Manchester City and Juventus to Van Persie’s signature and the 29-year-old will have a medical at Old Trafford on Thursday. 
United front: Sir Alex Ferguson has finally got his man by agreeing a deal for Robin van Persie
United front: Sir Alex Ferguson has finally got his man by agreeing a deal for Robin van Persie
 
Van Persie is the first Arsenal player to join United since Viv Anderson in 1987 and the move has riled Gunners fans, who took to Twitter to abuse him.
United are understood to have agreed a £15m downpayment for last season’s Footballer of the Year and Players’ Player — who scored 30 Premier League goals for last season. That will rise to £24m depending on appearances. Van Persie is expected to sign a four-year contract worth over £200,000 a week.
A statement on United’s website said: ‘Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Arsenal for the transfer of Robin van Persie. The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms.’
In signing Van Persie, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has laid down a clear marker ahead of the new season. It is the first time the club have paid  for a big name since Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham for £30.75m in 2008.
Having decided two or three years ago they would not sign players over the age of 27, United have signified just how far they are prepared to go to wrest the title back from City.
Final hurdle: The protracted deal could soon be concluded if the Gunners accept the offer for their captain
Final hurdle: The protracted deal could soon be concluded if the Gunners accept the offer for their captain
Final hurdle: The protracted deal will be concluded when Van Persie has a medical on Thursday
City manager Roberto Mancini will be particularly irritated that United have been allowed to steal his top target from under his nose, and this will test his strained relationship with the club’s football administrator Brian Marwood still further.
Van Persie was on Wednesday night with Holland, who lost a friendly 4-2 to Belgium. He is expected to fly to Manchester early on Thursday morning.
His departure will leave Arsenal fans angry that yet another of their star players has decided to depart in search of an improved salary and better prospects for  winning major honours.
Van Persie follows Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas, who left a year ago, although the club recovered from a poor start — including an 8-2 demolition by United at Old Trafford — to finish third.
Manager Arsene Wenger has the best part of two weeks to spend some of the money before the transfer window is closed. He said on French TV on Wednesday night: ‘It’s sad to lose a player of his quality. He had only one year left on his contract so we didn’t have the choice.’
Asked who he would recruit, Wenger said: 'We already signed Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud.' 
Talisman: Van Persie bagged the vast majority of Arsenal's goals last season
Talisman: Van Persie bagged the vast majority of Arsenal's goals last season
Michael Carrick, who was on duty with England on Wednesday, was first to comment on the deal. 
He said: 'Someone mentioned in the dressing room about Van Persie and if it goes through, it will be brilliant. He had a terrific season and he will further strengthen our squad. It is a great boost going into the new season.
'He is a world class player and we have always been about bringing in players of that ability.
'Can it make the difference between second and first? There wasn't much difference so hopefully we can go that step further! But the club has always had strength in depth and it is about the squad and not the 11 on the pitch.'


Thursday, August 9, 2012

RvP, coming or not....


Why it's now become a point of principle for Arsene Wenger NOT to sell van Persie to Manchester United


Who will win the RvP tug of love?
Who will win the RvP tug of love?

There are more than three weeks left in the transfer window and there's only one club left in the hunt for Robin van Persie.
Well, two actually.
That's because everyone appears to have disregarded Arsenal in this and just assumed that van Persie would be sold to the highest bidder.
Manchester United are the last club standing in the battle to sign van Persie. Van Persie has told Juventus he doesn't want to join them.
And in one of those conversations that are not supposed to take place between club and player, van Persie has done the same with Manchester City. So much for that being a done deal.
There's been interest from other mega wealthy clubs - Paris Saint Germain and Anzhi Makhachkala - but it's never got off the ground because he doesn't want to go to either of those.
I think he was seriously tempted by Juventus - until their title-winning coach Antonio Conte got embroiled in Italy's match fixing scandal. As someone in van Persie's management company tweeted, it was "hardly the advert" to go to Italy .           
Robin van Persie celebrates scoring the 1st Arsenal goal with Theo Walcott during the Barclays Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal at Molineux
Robin van Persie gets a hug from Theo Walcott... but will it be a hug goodbye?
Getty
 
So it's Manchester United or bust for van Persie. And the fact is that Arsenal do not want to sell to a direct Premier League rival . That would be the same were City still in the running.
These days, people assume when a deal like this gathers momentum the it's just a matter of time before it happens, such is the power of the player in getting what he wants.
Trouble is, it is very apparent from talking to people (for the millionth time this summer) close to the deal on Wednesday that Arsenal do not want to sell to Manchester United. Full stop.
They see them as a direct rival. While Juventus might have had an offer accepted for £20m, the price for United is higher. I actually think £25m is a conservative estimate. If Arsene Wenger has his way then it will be £30m.
This has become a point of principle, a real issue for Wenger. And if anyone doubts whether the board can be resolute on transfers, just think back to 2010.
Cesc Fabregas wanted to go to Barcelona. Chief executive Ivan Gazidis refused to sell, steadfastly stuck to his guns, made Fabregas wait for 12 months, got a better price and eventually sold to Barcelona.
It became a point of principle.
Cesc Fabregas (Pic:Getty)
Cesc Fabregas: another one that got away
 
Arsenal are similarly digging in over van Persie and unless United hit the right price then they will not sell.
Surely United won't top £20m for a player who is 29, with a poor injury record, one world class season in eight and will have no resale value in three years? Arsenal don't think they will.
However, if they do, then Arsenal might change their stance and sell for a price that is hard to refuse. Maybe on August 25 (few deals ever happen overnight) they may be tempted to lower their sights and sell rather than risk losing him for free next summer.
But that wasn't the impression I got on Wednesday. Arsenal have a price and United have to reach it.
Wenger is entrenched over this because last year it was Fabregas and Samir Nasri, this year it's van Persie. Who will it be next year? He wants to draw a line. I think Wenger, Arsenal and the board deserve credit for that. They may still sell for the right price, but now they are not going to be bullied by Manchester United.
It's a really tricky one because van Persie, according to the rest of the dressing room, has been focused, determined and working well . He's put his head down and you'd never know this saga is going on around him.
There's every chance he'll stay with the training camp in Germany and play in Sunday's friendly with Cologne. Crucially, Arsenal still believe they may persuade him to stay.
Robin van Persie of Arsenal during a training session in Hennef, Germany
Auf Wiedersehen? Robin van Persie trains in Germany
Getty
 
His attitude has suggested that he would not sulk even if a move to United does not happen. It's in marked contrast to that of Fabregas last summer, who was desperate to join Barcelona and sulked all his way back to Spain.
However, if you analyse Arsenal's signings they are hedging their bets in case van Persie goes. Olivier Giroud: centre forward. Santi Cazorla: new playmaker to fill number ten role. Lukas Podolski can play wide, through the middle or just behind.
There's still a long way to go in this saga yet and Arsenal are being tough - but also realistic. The lessons have been learnt from last summer when they were forced into a mad supermarket sweep when Nasri went at the last minute.
Thankfully, they got the supermarket manager's bargain of the week with Mikel Arteta (what a buy he's proved to be!).
My feeling is United will come back with another offer. Then Arsenal must decide whether to stick or twist. Van Persie has gone public in saying he will not re-sign with the club . Can they tempt him to re-sign during the season? Or risk losing him for nothing.           
Alex Ferguson: will he get the last laugh?
Matthew Peters
 
But it was rather amusing to read Sir Alex Ferguson's comments said after United's friendly in Gothenburg on Wednesday night.
Ferguson said: "We have made a bid and they've been trying to negotiate with other clubs. I don't have a gut feeling on it at the moment, I must admit.
"We're not getting any breakthrough with Arsenal. It's difficult to say why they're operating this way. I don't know what their thoughts are, because they're not giving anything away."
I hate the Twitter tit-for-tat generation. If you praise or criticise then a keyboard warrior jumps on you and says: 'yeah, but what about this?' Or: 'you said this in 2005.' Blimey, time to get out more. A tweet has only got 140 characters. You can't fit War And Peace on Twitter.
But, I'm going to risk becoming a keyboard warrior for a moment.
I was trying to think of times when Ferguson wouldn't sell a player to another specific club. Someone on Twitter duly reminded me.
Back in 2007, United had a similar saga when Gabriel Heinze wanted to move from Old Trafford to Liverpool, their deadly rivals.
Gabriel Heinze of Manchester United
Gabriel Heinze: full of beans
Getty
 
Ferguson blocked it because it was Liverpool. It's deeply personal between Ferguson and Liverpool. But moreover, it was a direct rival. He didn't want to strengthen them.
Ferguson said at the time: "I can assure you, Liverpool will not be getting Gabriel Heinze. We can put that to bed right now and we have done so. We have had a couple offers for him and we have turned them down.
"Heinze's agents are rolling the ball all the time. But no matter what his agent thinks, we are in the driving seat.
"I don't exactly know what Gaby thinks because it is all coming from his agent but this has been going on for a year and a half now."
Heinze eventually went to Real Madrid that summer. Not Liverpool.
So when Ferguson talks about not understanding Arsenal's thought process, maybe Heinze can provide a timely reminder.
Finally, what about van Persie himself? Will he be accepted by Arsenal fans if he ends up staying after this whole saga?
Yes. If he scores a hat trick against Tottenham then that will buy him forgiveness.
Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen poses as a Chinese Warrior. Arsenal Training Ground,
Thomas Vermaelen: fighting for the captaincy?
Arsenal FC
 
I do think fans want to see Thomas Vermaelen made captain, though, whatever happens. A captain shouldn't flirt with another club (even though Fabregas did).
But fans do forgive and forget. Unless you are Emmanuel Adebayor who got booed when he stayed for another year. However, if van Persie goes to Old Trafford. then there's no way back. He'll be public enemy number one.
I wrote a column some weeks ago suggesting if van Persie went to Juventus then he'd remain a legend and fans would forgive . I even likened it to Liam Brady remaining a legend at Arsenal because he chose Juventus in the 80s while Frank Stapleton went to Manchester United and was seen as a greedy traitor. He's never been forgiven and never will. He's not a former Arsenal player as far as Arsenal fans are concerned. He is ex-United.
If van Persie went to Manchester City then he'd be public enemy number one, a traitor and would disgust Arsenal fans. There's too much history, too many players to have been tempted by City's millions and van Persie would be a hate figure.
I suggested Manchester United would not be quite as bad. Arsenal fans might understand his desire for trophies over City's cash. It would be bad, he'd be a hate figure, but not quite as bad as if he were to join City.
How wrong I was.
I got floods of replies saying that United was every bit as bad - if not worse. I put that partly down to newer fans seeing United as bigger rivals than Tottenham. That will never be the case with old school fans.
But van Persie will never be forgiven for going to United. He, like Stapleton, will no longer be a former Arsenal player let alone a legend. He will be ex-United when he retires. Thanks, good night and shut the door behind you.
Samir Nasri congratulates Cesc Fabregas
Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas: deja vu?
Getty
 
So, make no mistake. The next few weeks will decide how van Persie is remembered. He could yet start the season at Arsenal as Nasri did last year - and then move. If United come back with a huge offer then he could go very quickly.
But this one has the potential to run and run. And the longer it runs with the deal still being played out as a transfer saga, the uglier it will become.
And watch today's Football Spy show - it's a Robin van Persie special!