Robin Van Persie: Is Arsenal Star Already Looking for a Move?

After the frantic end to the season, in which Arsenal were gifted third place, attentions have quickly turned towards Robin van Persie.

After Martin Fulop handed Arsenal two goals on a plate, the Gunners made sure of finishing third with a 3-2 victory over West Brom. Third place means guaranteed Champions League football and a finish above noisy neighbours, Spurs.

A Chelsea win against Bayern would throw Spurs into the Europa League, but would that mean Arsenal have to go through qualifiers yet again? This area has not been cleared by anyone.

Nonetheless Arsenal end the season with smiles after a dismal start, the worst in 58 years which saw the Gunners thumped 8-2 at Old Trafford. But Arsene Wenger turned mutiny into unity and has spurned on his players to deliver when it mattered most.

Now Arsenal look to next season, and having already signed Lukas Podolski, everyone is wondering what will happen to Van Persie. The Arsenal captain was quizzed about the contract talks, according to Ben Smith of BBC Sport:

"

We will have a chat next week...You never know but Arsenal is a massive club, a great club. I have been playing here for eight years and I love this club. Whatever happens that will never change.

"

The player is so important to the Gunners. Not only is he their captain but he is a striking prodigy who is about to peak. Van Persie has just finished the season with the Golden Boot on 30 goals.

He is irreplaceable. But his words are slightly worrying. To say you love the club is a positive comment but to finish with "whatever happen that will not change" is a worry. This is clear that Van Persie is thinking about moving on.

It would be a disaster if Arsenal lose another captain so quickly, but I do not think for a moment that money is the motivation.

Van Persie has been at Arsenal for eight long years, and maybe now he cannot wait anymore to win trophies or to compete for the big prizes. In my opinion, RVP will ask what is the manager's plan for the summer, and if Wenger remains coy that he will not spend too much, then I feel the captain will leave.

I could be totally wrong, as Van Persie's wife has publicly stated how much they love living in London and that they do not want to disrupt the kids' education. Anything can happen here, but I feel the decision is based upon whether Arsenal will strengthen the squad properly this summer.