Arsenal to Open Contract Talks with Robin Van Persie

In the week that has been the most miserable for Arsene Wenger and his team, who receivied endless criticisms from ex-players and managers, alas, there is some good news for the fans to mull over.

Robin Van Persie has agreed to start contract talks with Arsenal according to a report from The Telegraph.

The Duthman, who is currently the top scorer in the Premier League, has been mesmerizing for the club this season after a fresh injury-free run in. Van Persie's representative will listen to an offer from Arsenal of around £100, 000 and a signing-on fee.

The report also suggests that Arsene Wenger will be given a £55 million transfer fee to spend in the summer.

Players sold means more money available. Expected departures are Manuel Almunia, Denilson, Nicklas Bendtner, and possibly Łukasz Fabianski and/or Ju Young Park. The South Korean Park has hardly been given a chance to showcase his talent at the club.

Other players that the fans seem to want out are Andrei Arshavin, Marouane Chamakh and Tomas Rosicky. Susbtantial amount of money could be raised, especially if Arshavin and Rosicky blossom for their country at the Euros. Arsenal can cash in on them.

Every report is linking Eden Hazard to the club, but I think it is more crucial for Arsene Wenger to focus on bringing in players who have a strong physical presence, mental strength and the desire to win at all cost.

Players who have experience and are technically gifted would be a nice addition.

The defence needs a big boost, and it is a mistake for Arsenal not to have brought in Christopher Samba. He will be available at the end of the season, and in my opinion, this time around he will be an Arsenal player.

Jan Vertonghen is bound to leave Ajax at the end of the season. A host of clubs are after him, but due to his compatriot Thomas Vermaelen being at the club, Arsenal should take advantage and sign him up.

The midfield area needs a defensive boost with a presence. I don't think spending £20 million on Yann M'Vila is the answer. M'Vila is young, and I feel he will just be like Alex Song.

We already have one good defensive player, why not add someone like Daniele De Rossi to the squad?

The 28-year-old is fierce and does not like losing any battles on the pitch. He would bring character to the side, and his experience could be a massive boost for the squad.

A couple of creative players are needed at the club, especially when things get tough. Arsenal come unstuck. We could name so many players from Hazard, Mario Goetze, Kaka, and Yoann Gourcouff.

But, Arsenal fans have to be realistic here and see the funds for some of these players is just not something the club can afford.

And, of course, a striker to help Robin Van Persie would be nice.

Too many times have Arsenal been a "one man club" over the last few years. First it was Thierry Henry, then Cesc Fabregas and now Van Persie.

It's time to add more players that can take responsibility and make a difference. More match-winners is what Arsenal need.

But, first, is the Arsenal season collapsing?

Well battered against Milan, but if—and that's a big "if"—Arsenal can miraculously turn the Milan game on its head, then everybody will forget the criticism and praise the team.

I remember when Arsenal lost 3-0 at home to Inter, and had to go to the San Siro. Everybody said the team would get taken apart, but instead Arsenal smashed Inter for 5-1 on the night.

If Arsenal have character and spirit and togetherness, then they will turn up at the Emirates, and if they get two goals early on in the game, who knows what sort of night it would be.

As for the League, the Gunners are in fourth spot. It's time to raise their game and cement that place with wins against Spurs, Liverpool and Newcastle.

If the team wants to end the critics, they need to turn up on the pitch. And fast!