Pain in the Arsenal
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Robin van Persie Could be Arsenal’s Prodigal Son

By Josh Sippie

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The other day, I covered how vehemently I was against Samir Nasri even thinking about returning to Arsenal. I will not hide my incredibly negative feelings towards that man and I do not think he could ever revive what he had when he bullheadedly ditched Arsenal for more passionate fans and more money.

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And then it emerged that Robin van Persie could be eyeing the same ordeal. Not too long ago, I considered whether or not the Flying Dutchman would always be a villain to Arsenal. You, the reader, voted resoundingly that yes, he would always be a villain (78% said yes).

But would he still be a villain if he returned to Arsenal?

Robin van Persie was crucial to keeping Arsenal afloat during their down years when they had to pay off the Emirates. It was not a good time for the team as players were bailing left and right. To Robin van Persie’s credit, and for what it’s worth, he was one of the last to go and even then he was incredibly hesitant. Even when he won the title with United (grr!) he still pondered over his decision. He said the following as reported by IBT:

"“It was a dilemma. I loved that club. The fantastic stadium. The public. The atmosphere. I am a real Gunner and will always be one. A part of me was hurt. But I am a winner. I always want to win and it was time to win some prizes with a club, some titles. I never would have gone for the money, but wanted the change to take my career a bit further. And it turned out to be the right decision. I won the title with Manchester United right away. And I must also say: Manchester United is a warm club."

Those words are a lot different than Nasri’s ‘I always wanted to play for City, they are much more passionate.’ It sounds like van Persie was pleased with United’s treatment of him, but that it paled in comparison to what winning a title with Arsenal would have been like.

Thinking practically, van Persie’s move from Arsenal may have burned, but it was, dare I say, understandable. I do not know what Wenger and he talked about, but the state that Arsenal was in was not a good one, as they were constantly clawing for fourth place. Robin van Persie was getting older and his injury problems indicated that if he wanted to win a title and be a big part of that title, he would have to move on. And he did.

Before the move went through, reports indicated that van Persie was pleased with the arrivals of Cazorla, Giroud and Podolski and took time to consider his future. However, not long after it appeared set in stone that van Persie was going to leave, Arsene Wenger informed him that the Dutchman was no longer part of his plans (via the BBC).

Those kinds of words are enough to hasten your decision.

Also, Wenger’s and Robin van Persie’s views of the club’s direction differed in 2011-12, the fact that van Persie lacked faith in Wenger’s direction is grounds for moving on as well, even with the Dutch forward being a Gooner through and through.

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There is no doubt, however, that winning a title with Arsenal would surpass a title anywhere else. Now, Robin van Persie may have the opportunity to win that title.

With Arsenal losing Podolski, they may find themselves in need of another peripheral striking option on the cheap – nothing serious, just some added security. Olivier Giroud has his ups and downs, Theo Walcott has potential to claim the role, and Danny Welbeck may come around, but it sure would be nice to snag a guy that is a thoroughbred striker.

For just 4.9 million pounds, why not let Robin van Persie finish out his career at Arsenal? I have no fond feelings for van Persie, but I cannot deny how potent he was during his time at Arsenal. Much like Cesc Fabregas, van Persie’s heart was always at Arsenal. You can tell by the way he only described United as ‘warm.’

By nabbing van Persie, Arsenal get a bargain-priced world-class striker who will play out of his mind to make it up to Arsenal fans. The guy grew up supporting Arsenal, he gave everything to keep them relevant and now that he has won his title (at a direct rival, I know), it is time to come home and give all he has to get Arsenal that title.

I am still trying to convince myself that this should happen as well. I’m far from sold. Robin van Persie left Arsenal for Manchester United, that is usually an unforgivable sin. But given the circumstances, I believe that the Flying Dutchman could potentially make up for it with the right quality of play.

It is only 4.9 million pounds, if rumors are to be believed.

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