Robin van Persie: 10 Players Arsenal Could Buy If They Sold Him

Arsenal fans never want to even consider it, but it might actually happen: Robin van Persie could actually be sold this summer.

And that isn't exactly the end of the world. Sure, everyone would rather keep our brilliant talisman than lose him, but the transfer fee he would command would allow for the purchase of other world-class players.

Whether they replace van Persie with another striker or choose to improve the team in other areas, such as midfield or defence, Arsenal can actually make out better than you might think from the sale of their best player.

So Gooners, cheer up a little bit. All may not be lost, after all. Here are 10 players that Arsenal could buy with whatever RVP cash they may unfortunately have to accept.

Enjoy.

Lukas Podolski

A 26-year-old German international who already has 95 caps, Podolski would be an extremely sensible replacement for the departing van Persie.

As capable a finisher as there is, Podolski would fit perfectly into the fast-paced pass-and-move style that Arsenal employ. He could lead the line with aplomb and could even drift to the wing, a position in which he is comfortable.

With the purchase of Podolski from 1. FC Koln, Arsenal would have a prolific striker at the height of his powers who is in the prime of this career.

Karim Benzema

Benzema has seemingly been linked with Arsenal for an eternity due to his French nationality, praise from Arsene Wenger and simply the fact that he is a great striker.

Not that Arsenal do not have them already, but if van Persie were to leave, the Gunners would certainly possess the necessary transfer funds to take Benzema away from the Santiago Bernabeu.

Blessed with a ferocious shot, lethal pace and a tall 6'2" frame, Benzema has all one would want in a striker.

Arsenal would greatly benefit from signing him even if van Persie should stay, but if the Dutchman leaves, purchasing Benzema would suddenly make even more sense.

Mario Gotze

If there has been any player more heavily linked with Arsenal than Benzema, it is certainly Mario Gotze.

No one loves young talent more than Arsene Wenger, and the the 19-year-old German prodigy is certainly overflowing with it.

Obviously, a player who is rated so highly will command a massive transfer fee, and Arsenal will easily be able to pay Gotze's fee, which will surely rise over £30 million.

Even though he wouldn't help to replace van Persie, there's never anything wrong with adding such a special talent to your team.

Jan Vertonghen

If van Persie is sold, it would give Arsenal more funds to strengthen their defence.

Allow me to quiet the little voice in your head that is probably telling you right now that Arsenal's defence is better than ever and doesn't need reinforcements. I agree that there does not need to be an overhaul, but a player like Vertonghen, who can bring quality as well as extreme versatility, is needed.

Thomas Vermaelen's teammate on the Belgian national team can provide cover for the center backs, the left backs, as well as adding stability to defensive midfield if necessary.

With their thinness across defense right now, Arsenal could really use a player like Jan Vertonghen, whose qualities should not be undervalued.

Eden Hazard

Another player who is constantly linked with a move to the Emirates, this dynamic Belgian prodigy would do nothing but add quality and creativeness to Arsenal's wing play.

It is common knowledge that the 20-year-old Hazard, who has drawn comparisons to Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, will leave Lille at the conclusion of this season. And Arsenal can persuade Lille to let Hazard leave for the Emirates Stadium through a generous offer, subsidized by van Persie's transfer fee.

If there is any money remaining, which there really should be, it could be put towards a persuasive long-term contract befitting one of the best young players in the world.

Keisuke Honda

Keisuke Honda is an extremely talented Japanese midfielder who can play a multitude of positions across midfield and can even slot in as a central striker.

He was linked with Arsenal on deadline day, and though a move never materialized, he could still interest Arsene Wenger, who is aware that the player's quality has not decreased at all.

Just entering into the prime years of his career, the 25-year-old Honda would also help Arsenal further their commercial interests in Asia for years to come.

If Arsenal's midfield is already full, and he does not have the opportunity to partner Robin van Persie, Honda can certainly replace him.

Marvin Martin

If Arsene Wenger wants to strengthen his midfield without digging too deeply into his pockets, he can turn to 23-year-old Marvin Martin (pronounced Mah-VEH Mah-TEH) to solve his problems.

The French international has impressed greatly with his club Sochaux, acting as their main creative influence. Playing for France, he had a major impact when he came on as a substitute against the USA, constantly threatening my beloved Yanks with searching balls from midfield.

Martin would come relatively cheap, compared to other potential buys, at around £15 million, and would certainly add quality and depth to Arsenal's midfield should Wenger pull the trigger on his countryman.

Fernando Llorente

Fernando Llorente is everything that Marouane Chamakh is not: a consistent goal threat who can genuinely add a different element to a team's attack.

The Spanish international has proven his capability for his club Athletic Bilbao. At 6'5" and, as you can see, with a positively amazing physical frame, Arsenal would finally have someone physical enough to push around defenders and get on the end of Carl Jenkinson's Beckham-esque crosses.

And while he might find the speed of the game different, one look at Llorente would tell you that he would certainly need no time to adapt to the physical nature of the Premier League. The 26-year-old looks like he was made specially for it.

Yann M'Vila

Yann M'Vila has attracted interest from a number of big clubs throughout Europe with his impressive performances for Rennes and the French national team, with Arsenal among his many suitors.

M'Vila is truly a complete midfielder with the ability to make crunching tackles and snuff out attacks, then bomb forward with the ball and unleash a through pass to create a goal for his team.

Such comparisons evoke memories of Patrick Vieira, and if Arsenal should pay the £20 million or so necessary to lure M'Vila away from France, that would essentially be a version of what they would be getting.

While Arsenal might have been hesitant to buy previously, as defensive midfielder is not a position that they must fill, they would be flush with cash following the sale of van Persie and could do so if they wished.

Theo Walcott

Yes, I know that Arsenal don't have to buy a player they already have, but people sometimes forget that Walcott's contract runs out at the same time as van Persie's. And Theo's is just as important to renew.

For one, Walcott will be entering his prime years during his next deal, and his pace simply adds an element to the team that cannot be provided by anyone else, despite the Englishman's inconsistency.

So Arsenal can take their bulging wallet filled with van Persie's transfer fee and the money they no longer have to pay him to Walcott and offer him a generous new contract to persuade him to stay.

Whether Walcott ends up playing as a winger or as a central striker, Arsenal simply cannot afford to lose two of their best and most dynamic players in the same summer again.