World Football Gossip Roundup: Robin Van Persie, Goal Tech, Juan Roman Riquelme

On Wednesday, Robin van Persie dropped a bombshell on Arsenal. On Thursday, we sort out the wreckage in the B/R World Football Gossip Roundup.

Arsenal fans, as you might expect, are upset—but not only with RvP. Meanwhile, former players are weighing in as competing clubs are reportedly weighing offers.

Elsewhere, we have updates on goal-line technology, Lucas Moura, Michael Bradley, Inter Milan, Mario Balotelli and another blow for Rangers.

All the details await inside.

RvP Latest

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie announced Wednesday that he will not sign a new contract with the North London club. His current deal runs out following the 2012-13 season.

The announcement prompted anew the rumors of interest from Manchester City (Daily Mirror) and Manchester United (Daily Mail), among others.

Former Arsenal player Ray Parlour told talkSPORT that the Gunners must cash in on van Persie now. Another former Arsenal player, Paul Merson, is quoted by The Sun as saying van Persie may regret leaving the club.

Goal-Line Tech a Go?

Goal-line technology is almost set for prime time.

After months of testing, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) is expected to vote Thursday to implement use of goal-line technology (per BBC Sport).

The Football Association and Premier League would then be able to introduce the technology.

United Want Lucas Moura?

Manchester United have joined the race for 19-year-old Brazilian attacking midfielder Lucas Moura (Daily Mirror).

Moura also has reportedly drawn interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid and is valued at £35 million by Sao Paulo.

According to the Mirror, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is trying to convince the club's owners to spend up to £30 million on Moura.

The report also claims Moura's father has visited Old Trafford for "talks."

Bradley Has Roma Medical?

American international midfielder Michael Bradley has arrived in Rome for a medical with AS Roma, according to reports out of Italy (Goal.com).

Bradley, 25, will sign a four-year deal worth about €800,000 per season, according to Goal.com. The transfer fee is thought to be about €3 million.

Di Canio: Balotelli Selfish

Mario Balotelli is "selfish" and "deserves a lot of slaps," according to Swindon Town manager Paolo Di Canio (The Sun).

“Against Germany he did two good things, but in the end I saw a player who was just waiting to celebrate," Di Canio said, according to The Sun. “Balotelli does not play for the team, only for himself."

Di Canio, 43, represented Italy at the U-21 level as a forward.

Mudingayi to Inter?

Belgium forward Gaby Mudingayi will join Inter Milan from Bologna, the player's agent has confirmed (Goal.com).

Mudingayi, 30, will join for a fee of €2 million, according to the report.

Rangers' Preseason Tour Canceled

Fresh off the news (Daily Telegraph) that they will not be allowed to play in the Scottish Premier League next season, Rangers have seen their preseason plans thrown into disarray.

According to The Guardian, the "newco" Rangers' preseason tour of Germany has been canceled. The team currently has only 13 senior players.

Riquelme Quits Boca

Juan Roman Riquelme has played his last game for Boca Juniors (ESPN Soccernet).

Riquelme, a 34-year-old Argentine midfielder, announced his decision after Boca's 2-0 loss to Corinthians on Wednesday in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final.

Riquelme played for Boca from 1996 to 2002, again in 2007 and from 2008 to 2012.

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