Robin van Persie Contract Situation: Arsenal, RVP Remain in Holding Pattern

Nearly a week after Robin van Persie dropped his bomb on Arsenal, only bits of new information have leaked out.

That can't continue.

Preseason preparations have already begun, summer tours are imminent and if not sooner, we'll all know once the summer transfer window closes in a month-and-a-half.

Until then, though, most of the news will likely seep out in irregularly timed, bite-sized bits.

Let's back up to the beginning. On July 4, van Persie announced (via his official website) his intention not to sign a new contract with Arsenal. The club responded with its own statement saying van Persie would be held to his current contract, which runs through the 2012-13 season.

Soon after, the Internet nearly melted down under the weight of devastated, bitter Gooners and widespread media reaction.

Manchester City quickly emerged as the presumptive favorite to land RvP, but only if room could be cleared in the attacking ranks (The Guardian). Coincidentally, former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor might serve just that purpose if his loan move from City to Tottenham Hotspur is finally made permanent (The Sun).

Three days after the statement, the Daily Mirror reported that van Persie had returned from his holiday. He was set to hold further talks with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis.

In addition to Manchester City, several clubs have been linked with van Persie. Manchester United, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are all thought to be interested, but PSG manager Carlo Ancelotti denied his club's interest (Daily Mail).

For now, though, that's all we know. Van Persie remains an Arsenal player under contract through the 2012-13 season, which begins for Arsenal in just over one month.

Van Persie is not guaranteed to leave Arsenal this summer. He could see out his contract and leave on a free transfer next summer. Or he might sign a big-money contract with Manchester City or another potential suitor.

We just don't know yet, but unless there really is nothing happening behind the scenes, we should know more soon.

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