The news we have all been dreading finally hit us yesterday. Robin wasn't going to sign a new contract. I guess we've all known this deeply inside. We just hoped that it turn out differently. The arguments has been raging since yesterday on twitter. Many have sent him with abuses and the like since he made his statement.
We can talk about it all day but it does not change the fact that he has made up his mind about leaving. The most important thing now it to buy an adequate replacement before the start of the season. Robin feels he's got to that stage in his career when he has to put himself first. Who will blame him?
He says he is not motivated by money but we all know that isn't completely true. This is his last chance for a fat salary and some medal. He certainly won't have the kind of season he just had at Arsenal again, considering his injury records in the previous six years.
If he moves to Manchester City as expected, Arsenal will have to get the best possible deal for him. I will be in favour of a swap deal + some cash, if possible for him. Edin Dzeko has fallen out of favour at the Etihad. He would slot into the team seamlessly. Am sure the prospect of regular first team games will spur him on and do his confidence some good.
We can easily expect at least 20 goals from Dzeko considering his quality. He is a bit similar to Giroud in the way he's built. Excellent in the air with the right physicality needed in the Premier League, and he's right -footed.
Ray Parlour thinks that Wenger should get Papiss Cisse with the money that will come in for Robin. That would be a pound-for-pound replacement. He took the Premier League by storm from January scoring 1 in every other game, i think, till the end of the season. He was exceptional against Chelsea, scoring the goal of the season with a sensational volley.
Cisse will make the fans forget about van Persie quite easily. The problem is Wenger is renowned for his stubbornness and may decide Podolski and Giroud will be enough for next season. That is the fear of Arsenal fans. We can all understand Robin wanting to win as he's not getting younger, but will arsene re-invest the money into another forward?
It will be a case of two steps backward if Robin is not replaced. Last summer was a disaster for the club. Ivan Gazidis said he could write a book about what happened last summer. Is this a sequel? A bid Cesc-shaped hole is still very apparent in the squad, waiting to be filled. How will this group of players respond if they lose another captain for the second year running? How long will it take before Theo, Song or even Wilshere demands for a move too?
These are questions that demand answers. Answers in the form of new signings. Quality signings not in the calibre of Chamakh or Park. Arsenal needs an Edin Dzeko or a Papiss Cisse to stand a chance next season.
Till tomorrow.
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