Arsenal Transfer Rumors: Pros and Cons of Gunners Selling Robin Van Persie

As the Premier League's top goal-scorer last season, Arsenal's Robin van Persie has garnered plenty of interest in the summer transfer window.

Now The Sun is reporting that Manchester United is making a serious bid for Van Persie, to the tune of £22 million.

United and Juventus have officially offered £15 million for the 29-year-old so far, with Manchester City also expressing interest. Arsenal has reportedly been pushing for a price of £25 million.

The question is, should Arsenal make this move? After all, Van Persie still has one more year on his contract and he could potentially be of great help to the Gunners down the stretch next season.

Here's a look at the pros and cons of dealing the superstar striker.

Pros

Huge Return

Although Arsenal has been pushing for £25 million for Van Persie, you'd have to think the club would be happy with a return of £22 million.

That would allow Arsene Wenger to add more pieces before the transfer window is up and stick to his strategy of finding good bargains throughout the world.

Remember, Arsenal has already landed Germany's Lukas Podolski, former Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud and winger Santi Cazorla, and the club still has midfielder Jack Wilshere coming back from injury.

Avoid Turmoil Behind the Scenes

Sure, Arsenal could keep Van Persie, but if he really wants to leave, you are only going to get an unhappy player for next season.

Van Persie is a premier player when he's motivated—as he showed when he scored 30 goals last season—but if he feels slighted by Arsenal, it has the potential to be disruptive.

There is no sense keeping him against his will when you can get a substantial return for him.

Chance to Rebuild

As mentioned before, losing Van Persie may have unintended benefits.

Arsenal could end up with a more balanced team across the board to complement an already impressive trio of Podolski, Giroud and Cazorla.

After all, football is a team sport and patching up several holes may work better than keeping Van Persie.

Cons

Strengthening a Rival Club

Manchester United finished second in the Premier League last season, one spot ahead of Arsenal. 

What happens if the club lands an elite goal-scorer to pair up with Wayne Rooney?

You'd have to think landing Van Persie would give United a great shot of retaining the title that was stolen away by City last season. His ability to create havoc at net is something any contender would love to have. 

Will Summer Signings Make Up for Loss of RVP?

It's going to be interesting to see what happens at Emirates next season if Arsenal goes through with the transfer.

Will the summer additions make up for Van Persie's departure, or will Arsenal experience a drop-off?

The loss of RVP may not be as crippling as previously imagined given the new additions, but you are still losing a guy who scored 30 goals in one of world football's greatest leagues. It would take a complete team effort to make up the difference.

Public Dissent

If you transfer your superstar to a league rival, you better show some promise the next season.

Van Persie was obviously a tremendously popular player at Emirates and fans will surely miss a player who provided some stunning moments.

If Arsenal kicks things off on a losing note next season, the fans and the media are going to have a field day at Wenger's expense. The departure of a star player is always looked at with incredible scrutiny.