Robin Van Persie Shuns Arsenal: 10 Clubs Preparing Bids for the Striker

So, Robin van Persie is leaving Arsenal.

It's a tough blow for the London club, as they lose their top goal scorer. It adds to a long list of Gunner stars to walk out the door, joining the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri from last season.

The impact of the loss on Arsenal will be a big storyline in the future. However, the future of van Persie will also be a big story.

After all, he scored 37 goals last season, 30 of which coming in the Premier League. Clearly, he will be a prized commodity for many clubs.

So, who will get him?

Here is a list of ten clubs that should make meaningful plays for RvP.

Manchester City

City obviously have a lot to offer van Persie.

They seem to have limitless bundles of money to send his way and plenty of competition to offer as they go for Premier League and Champions League trophies.

However, there may be some competition that RvP will dislike: with Mario Balotelli, Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero already on the roster, van Persie might not have a starting position every week.

Still, City have already made their intentions known and are the front-runners for van Persie's services.

Manchester United

United were linked with van Persie at the end of the season, so they clearly have interest in the striker.

They don't have the money to compete with Manchester City, but they do have the same level of competition.

Additionally, they have more of a set spot for the striker. He would surely have a starting spot next to Rooney week in and week out.

Still, the fact that they are Arsenal's Premier League competition and don't have the money of City makes them a less likely prospect.

Juventus

Juventus have already made their intentions known by submitting a bid for van Persie earlier in the week.

They have lots of top-flight competition and history to offer. The highly successful Italian team are defending Serie A champions with Champions League football next season.

Plus, RvP has shown desire to move overseas.

The only hold-up, though, is the money. Juve's bid this week was a ludicrous 8 million pounds.

Barcelona

This would certainly be an appealing move in some ways.

It's overseas and offers a place on one of the greatest teams of all time.

For Barca, the move would bring a much-needed striker in, a hole that was accentuated by their inability to break down a "parking the bus" Chelsea.

However, a spot in the starting lineup might not be readily available for RvP because Barcelona may not want to change their winning formula.

On the other hand, van Persie was spotted at FC Barcelona's hotel back in April.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid have already been linked with RvP. The Mirror has reported that they are willing to part with £25 million for him.

If this happened, Madrid would have an insane strike partnership at their disposal in Karim Benzema and van Persie.

Tons of money and one of the top competitions in the world will make this move even more appealing to the Dutchman.

Paris Saint-Germain

Massive amounts of money.

Champions League football.

The promise of a bright future.

A great and proven manager.

A project that, if it succeeds, could make you a legend.

All of these are reasons why this is an appealing move.

However, seeing as Ligue 1 still isn't the most glamorous league in Europe, PSG will have to sell hard on those points in order to get RvP's signature.

AC Milan

AC Milan has apparently been interested in van Persie since meeting him in the Champions League Round of 16 back in March.

Again, top competition, plenty of money and a history of success are great allures here.

Milan could use another striker, especially if they transfer Alexandre Pato out the door.

The move would give Milan perhaps the greatest (and sulkiest) strike partnership in the world. They would employ Zlatan Ibrahimovic and RvP.

Should be an appealing prospect for van Persie.

Chelsea

The defending Champions League champions are very active in this transfer window.

After their legendary striker, Didier Drogba, left the club in June, they are looking for a replacement.

RvP would be just that guy.

They offer plenty of money, a system in which they are not scared to buy playersand a familiar setting.

Still, I doubt Arsenal will want him leaving to an in-city rival like Chelsea.

Inter Milan

Inter would be very happy to get a new striker. Diego Forlan hasn't quite worked out since coming over.

The Italian outfit will have plenty to offer van Persie, including money, but there are a few things that could kill this deal.

One is the lack of Champions League football.

The other is Wesley Sneijder, the Inter Milan midfielder and RvP's compatriot. Robin and Wesley have had a feud for years.

I doubt either wants the other to be on the same club. They can hardly stand playing with each other when they have to on the Netherlands.

Arsenal

Look, it's happened many times.

A modern-day footballer says he is going to do one thing, then does the exact opposite.

Just look at Rooney. A few years ago, he made it clear that he was leaving United before re-signing.

It's unlikely that van Persie is going back to Arsenal, but we just can't rule it out.

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