I always hate saying I told you so, but RVP announced to his fans and fantasy premier league managers that he would not be signing a new contract at Arsenal on his official website. To be honest, after the transfer of Olivier Giroud it didn’t take a genius to see that he was purchased as a replacement for RVP rather than any possible partner as I couldn’t see how he could have fitted in to a RVP based system.
Here’s his statement, as quoted in the Daily Mail, if you hadn’t seen it already:
“This is an update for the fans about my current situation. I have kept quiet all this time out of respect and loyalty for the club and as agreed with Mr Gazidis and Mr Wenger, but since there is so much speculation in the media, I think it is fair for you guys to know what’s really going on at the moment.
As announced earlier this year I had a meeting with the boss and Mr Gazidis after the season. This was a meeting about the club’s future strategy and their policy. Financial terms or a contract have not been discussed, since that is not my priority at all.
‘I personally have had a great season but my goal has been to win trophies with the team and to bring the club back to its glory days.
‘Out of my huge respect for Mr Wenger, the players and the fans I don’t want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward.
‘I’ve thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract. You guys, the fans, have of course the right to disagree with my view and decision and I will always respect your opinions.
‘I love the club and the fans, no matter what happens. I have grown up and became a man during my time with Arsenal FC.
‘Everybody at the club and the fans have always supported me over the years and I have always given my all (and more) on and off the pitch. I am very proud of being part of this fantastic club for the last eight years.
‘As soon as Mr Gazidis is back from his two-week holiday in America further meetings will follow and I will update you if and when there are more developments.'”
So what does this mean for fantasy premier league managers.
Firstly, the nature of the statement and its criticism of the club, to me means that he will be transferred out as soon as possible and definitely before the start of the season. Interestingly though it seems unlikely he will be transferred before the barclays site opens and RVP and Olivier Giroud are priced. Depending on how much of the potential transfer is priced in to Oliver Giroud’s value means he becomes a potential bargain. However I wont be going near unless Giroud shows something fantastic in preseson principally due to their difficult start and doubts over Arsenals goal scoring potential as a team. RVP carried the team last year and its hard to see an easy recovery and them finishing again as the third highest goal scorers in the premier league.
Who’s the likely purchasers? There’s only 2 possible destinations that would affect fantasy premier league managers. They are Man City as hot favourites and less likely Chelsea. For fantasy premier league managers a transfer to Man City would mean questions over everyone’s game time such is the quality there in a year where the Champions league will surely be the priority target. This is particularly so for Balotelli and Tevez. Alsowhat system would result? What would become of Silvas and/or Nasris role in the front 3 as they did last year. Preseason would require alot of analysis. Chelsea seems less likely but would really put a question mark over Fernando Torres position.
Anyway that’s getting a little far ahead, but fantasy premier league managers should stay here for news and resulting analysis.
