Arsenal Transfer Rumors: Losing Theo Walcott Would Destroy Hopes of Keeping RVP

Robin van Persie wants change.

Not any change, as in selling Theo Walcott. That would be the final straw. If the latest Arsenal transfer rumors are true, RVP is as good as gone—if he isn’t already.

Like Van Persie, Walcott has just one year remaining on his current contract. And according to Charlie Wyett of The Sun, it’s in danger of not getting renewed. Wyett reported that Liverpool is “desperate” to sign Walcott.

The Gunners simply can’t allow that to happen.

Back on July 4th, Van Persie released an announcement that he wouldn’t extend his contract with the Gunners. The statement on his official website read:

"

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. 

"

Van Persie isn’t going to change his mind unless he believes Arsenal is talented enough to contend for a Premier League title.

They made strides by signing Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski. The Gunners have also recently been linked to Ibrahim Afellay and M'Baye Niang. They're headed in the right direction, but losing Walcott would throw them off that path.

In the 2011-2012 campaign, Walcott recorded a total of nine goals and nine assists. He was Arsenal’s second-highest goal scorer—behind only RVP himself. He was also tied for second on the club in assists.

Losing that type of production—even after the additions of Giroud and Podolski—would make Van Persie’s decision that much easier. The newcomers obviously don’t impress him enough to stay regardless.

Arsene Wenger’s only hope at convincing Van Persie to re-sign is adding talent. Selling Walcott is counter-productive and would officially signal the end of the RVP-era in Holloway.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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