Arsenal talisman Robin Van Persie is set to begin talks over a new deal at the Emirates this week. Following high profile departures in January, Arsene Wenger has made it clear he wishes to extend the prolific Dutchman's tenure in North London beyond the end of his current contract. Reports have continued to circulate this week linking Van Persie with a move to Premier League winners Manchester City, however, a bid from the champions would ensure not only a lucrative deal for Van Persie himself, but a significant return on the £2.75m outlay that Arsenal paid Feyenoord for his signiture almost 8 years ago.
Fans of the Gunners may be sceptical whether the deal for German International Lucas Podolski represents a top level strike partner to play alongside Van Persie, or simply a replacement. The Striker completed a move believed to be in the region of £10m from Cologne and the deal should be formally announced when the transfer window opens. With, once again the appeal of Champions League football, Wenger will be hoping to retain his key men for next season, most notably Van Persie. Improved terms will be offered although it is highly unlikely the Gunners could compete with the deep pockets of City or United should either club come sniffing for the Dutchman's signature. An impressive season saw Van Persie net 30 times in the League, making him the top scorer, and a valuable comodity, one who Arsenal would be ill advised to losing on a free, something that could force a sale should Van Persie see his future elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Wenger will be looking to bolster his squad for next season, injuries saw the likes of Francis Coquelin, Carl Jenkinson, and Kieran Gibbs thrust into first team action, whilst new signings Andre Santos and Per Mertesacker have failed to impress. However, the search for a stable successor to Jens Lehmann appears to have resolved itself after an impressive season for Wojciech Szczesny, after keepers Luis Fabianski and Manuel Almunia failed to impress.