Van Persie coy about Arsenal future

Robin van Persie may join the Arsenal exodus during the January transfer window. (FILE)

Published Monday, October 10, 2011

By Staff

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie is preparing an exit strategy from Emirates Stadium and a possible move to Manchester City who are lining up a £30 million raid for the Dutch international.

He gave the clearest indication he wants to leave the Gunners by saying "nobody knows" where his future in an interview with the 'Sunday Mirror' although he has full faith in the leadership of Arsenal.

Van Persie will be out of contract in 2013 and there are doubts as to whether he will extend his deal with the new-look team who are struggling to gel.

The 2-1 defeat at Tottenham in the North London derby seems to be the last straw for van Persie who has been frustrated by the departures of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas.

Van Persie insists he still believes in the project despite the Gunners languishing at 15th in the table with seven games played.

"I have every trust in the things we are doing within the club," he said in the interview. "There is only a fine line between winning and losing. Just look at our last match against Spurs. We could have won that game with the chances we had. There is no need to panic for anyone."

However, Van Persie is refusing to commit his future to the club which has endured their worst start to a season since 1958.

"I am not going to make any statements about my future," he said. "Not now, not for a while. I've been at Arsenal eight years and that is quite extraordinary these days. Which is why I treasure this. What my future will bring, nobody knows.

"I can understand people are curious, but I am just dedicated to everything at Arsenal right now. Since November last year I've played lots of games, scored lots of goals and made assists. Twelve months' non-stop football is doing me well. I feel that I am still growing in form. It is the first time in quite a few years that I can experience that.

"My future is a private matter and, when at some point there could be some news, people will hear it. And I do realise that we have to get things going at Arsenal, but I have full confidence that we are going to do okay.

"Our start is not good. I would have felt better if we had won the derby. We didn't and right now there is a negative feeling but, I assure you, it is not all that negative. It is up to us, players and staff, to sort it out on the pitch."