Arsenal Transfer News: Robin Van Persie Negotiations Are Dangerous Either Way

Arsenal are set to begin the business of hashing out a new deal for club captain Robin van Persie on Wednesday, according to BBC Sport. Yet the negotiations are fraught with danger for the club, whichever way they turn out.

The desired conclusion is that Van Persie agrees to a new contract. His evolution into the most complete striker in world football is a testament to his quality and Arsene Wenger's ability to improve a player.

However, the Gunners have to be wary of setting a dangerous precedent when they try to put together fiscal terms enticing enough to get Van Persie to sign. Recent reports indicate that Van Persie wishes to remain an Arsenal player, but requires indications about future marquee transfers, according to talkSPORT radio.

This request may seem reasonable, especially in light of Arsenal's continued inability to turn potential into silverware. Yet having to keep players informed of the club's plans as a way of seeking approval creates an uncomfortable dynamic.

Wenger can't and should not be expected to conduct his transfer business on the whim of his star players. This is not to suggest that there should be a closed door between the players and their manager.

However, a player staying at the club based on his own approval of incoming transfers goes beyond the need for a degree of transparency.

The irony is that offering the kind of lucrative contract it will likely take to keep Van Persie and Theo Walcott probably drains the funds required for elite additions.

Even so, the other outcome of these negotiations might be a greater cause for concern. If Van Persie does move on, even for a hefty fee, it will represent Arsenal's slide into the status of a selling club.

It would mean that in two seasons, the Gunners will have been forced to sell Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas and now their leading scorer and best player. No matter what spin is applied, it will be hard to view Arsenal as little more than a feeder club for the game's upper echelon.

An acceptance of the club's fall in status and a willingness to act accordingly might be a prudent move. Yet it would still be a humbling admission and one that could impact Wenger's ability to attract quality players, be they promising youngsters or experienced internationals.

One way or another, Wenger is risking setting a dangerous precedent in his attempts to keep the latest player he has developed into a world-class talent.