Robin Van Persie does not want to discuss a new deal with Arsenal as his current one expires at the end of next season. Arsene Wenger does not seem to be too bothered about this as he believes that Van Persie is 100% committed to the club right now.
“The ideal situation is he extends his length of contract,” said Wenger. “But if he doesn’t we have to respect that.
“He knows we’re ready to talk about it. Most important is what you do today and how much you’re committed to the cause as long as you’re at the club.
“What is important is he plays like he plays. We’re here to see special footballers and he is a special footballer.
“For me commitment isn’t how long you’re at the club, it’s as long as you’re there you give 100 per cent until the last day of your contract.
“That is what I call commitment. The rest is different. The length of contract is completely different. You have players with ten-year contracts who aren’t committed.
“Many people questioned his leadership qualities. But he is completely committed for the cause on a daily basis and is even more important on the pitch. He does the job. He scored two goals. That shows how important he is.”
Is there any reason for us to worry about Van Persie not signing a contract extension? I think so. It only makes sense, he has to see how Arsenal finish this season and what direction the club is headed before he commits long term to the club. But then again, in the world of football we live in today, player contracts do not mean much; Van Persie could sign a new deal tomorrow for 5 years and then decide in two years time he wants to leave and there is very little we can do about that.