Sergio Ramos aims to stop Van Persie

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has insisted that the Spanish giants must be aware of Manchester United's in-form striker Robin van Persie.

The Dutchman is likely to start against Los Blancos in the first leg of the Champions League round-of-16 clash at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.



"Van Persie is on very, very good form," The Guardian quotes Ramos as saying. "We hadn't seen him this good for years. He's quick, strikes the ball well, he's a constant nuisance.



"[Wayne] Rooney's different. He's hard-work, heavy going. He enjoys the physical challenge. I prefer that, to be honest. I like that defender versus striker battle, that challenge."



Meanwhile, former United defender Gary Neville believes that the Red Devils will have to double up on Cristiano Ronaldo in order to stop him from controlling the game.

Fergie: No one-man team

Sir Alex Ferguson has rejected claims that Manchester United are turning into a one-man team.



Much has been made of Robin van Persie's impact since his arrival at Old Trafford last summer, but Ferguson insists there is more to his team than the in-form Dutch striker.

Van Persie has scored 10 goals in his last 10 appearances and earned warm praise from his manager, but Ferguson is anxious to point out that he is not their only threat.

"I don't go along with the idea we have become a one-man team," Ferguson told United Review.

"There was a time in our history when one man did carry us for a while. Eric Cantona kept us in contention with his goals when a few others were off the boil.

"But things are quite different now. Javier Hernandez has weighed in with 12 goals while Wayne Rooney is currently on nine.

"Two defenders, Johnny Evans and Patrice Evra, have chipped in with eight between them so it doesn't stand up to see us as a one-man band overly dependent on van Persie, brilliant as he has been at both making and taking goals.

"He is absolutely relishing his new challenge. He is the right player, at the right club, at the right time.



"He has a winning mentality, but as he points out, it is one that goes right through the squad and one that will hopefully see us push on in both league and the cups and successfully navigate what is a busy and challenging period."


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Top-selling official EPL player jerseys

Robin van Persie’s popularity at Manchester United since joining from Arsenal in the summer is demonstrated by news that his is the best-selling official Barclays Premier League shirt in North America this season.



Figures released by Sporting ID, which produces the names, numbers and sleeve badges of the Barclays Premier League, show that the United forward, who has scored 11 Premier League goals so far, leads his United strike partner Wayne Rooney, who was found to have had the best-selling shirt in the League’s history. In third is Chelsea striker Fernando Torres.

"North American soccer fans support the Barclays Premier League as fanatically as anywhere else"

Robert Thayne

United States striker Clint Dempsey is the biggest mover, rising to sixth after his move from Fulham to Tottenham Hotspur in August. Dempsey is the first US player to make the top 10 in North American sales.

"North American soccer fans continue to support the Barclays Premier League as fanatically as anywhere else, often waking at 4am to catch games on TV," said Sporting iD’s global sales and marketing director Robert Thayne. "Players like Van Persie, Eden Hazard, Clint Dempsey, Steven Gerrard and Jack Wilshere are top-class players playing for the biggest clubs in the world and their fans in North America are really no different than the ones who live in the UK.

“They are clearly showing their support of these players and their club by personalizing jerseys with official Premier League player names, numbers and sleeve badges.”



Top-selling official Barclays Premier League player jerseys in North America : -



1. Robin van Persie (Manchester United)

2. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

3. Fernando Torres (Chelsea)

4. Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

5. Frank Lampard (Chelsea)

6. Clint Dempsey (Tottenham Hotspur)

7. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

8. Javier Hernandez (Manchester United)

9. Shinji Kagawa (Manchester United)

10. Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)

Juventus intend to wrap up Suarez and RVP

Juventus' interest in Luis Suarez will not detract from their move for Robin van Persie.

It is understood that Juventus would ideally love to pair Van Persie and Suarez in a dream attack.



Whether either deal is pushed on remains to be seen, but Italian champions Juve are aiming big.



They have already made a firm move for Van Persie but, as with rival bidders Manchester City and Manchester United, have not been able to agree terms with Arsenal.

Sky Sports understands that Arsenal are standing firm over their valuation of the Dutch striker, who confirmed earlier this summer he did not wish to extend his contract, which has one year left.



Whilst Juve continue to work on a possible deal for Van Persie, they also have an interest in Suarez.



But it is understood that their interest in Suarez is long-standing and their ideal scenario was to sign both players but whether either deal can be done remains to be seen.



Despite his troubles last season, Suarez remains popular with the Anfield faithful and his performances underlined his quality.

Top 10 best buys

Premier League's best bargains, in pictures :-

Nicolas Anelka: £500,000

A great investment by Arsene Wenger who signed Anelka frm Paris St Germain in 1997. During his two seasons he helped the club to a league and cup double before joining Real Madrid for just under £23 million.



Demba Ba: free

A risk by Newcastle manager Alan Pardew given the state of the striker's knees but it's paid off enormously. He scored 16 goals in his first season on Tyneside.



Tim Cahill: £1.5m

Twice a bargain transfer. The first time when Everton signed him from Milwall for £1.5 million in 2004 and if the latest rumours prove true, the Australian is set to join the New York Red Bulls for just over a million.



Sol Campbell: free

He angered Tottenham fans when he joined Arsenal for nothing but it was another genius bit of negotiating from Wenger as Campbell was central to the club's success between 2001-06.



Eric Cantona: £1.2m

Probably Sir Alex Ferguson's best deal to date; The King cost the Scot just £1.2m when he signed from Leeds in 1992. He was well worth it and scored 64 goals in 143 appearances.



Ole Gunner Solskjaer: £1.5m

United's Baby Faced Assasin cost them just £1.5 million, a great investment for 10 years of outstanding service and crucial goals.



Robin van Persie: £2.75

A cut price for the striker who arrived from Feyenoord in 2004 and went on to score 96 goals in 194 appearances. Arsenal are set to cash in on the Dutchman who has recently annunced he intends to leave.



Joe Hart: £600,000

Manchester City and England's No 1 goalkeeper who cost next to nothing in 2006. he is now one of the club's top earners.



Shay Given: £1.5

Another bargain goalkeeper, Newcastle paid under two million for Shay Given in 1997 and were rewarded with 10 years of outstanding service.



Cesc Fabregas: free

Another great piece of negotiating from Wenger who is renowned for his unwillingness to spend big. A young Fabregas joined in 2003 as he feared getting not play time at Barcelona. Again Arsenal cashed in on their man and sold him back to the Catalan club last year for £30m.

Henry hopes Van Persie stays

Thierry Henry is hoping Robin van Persie will stay at Arsenal, but insists life will go on if his former team-mate leaves the Emirates Stadium.



Van Persie's long-term future in North London appears uncertain after he confirmed earlier this month that he will not be signing an extension to his contract, which expires next year.



Manchester City, Manchester United and Juventus are all keen on the striker, but no clubs have yet matched Arsenal's valuation of their captain.



Henry left Arsenal for Barcelona in 2007, before returning for a loan spell earlier this year, while the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri have also been high-profile departures from the club in recent seasons.



If the Netherlands international follows the lead of several of his former colleagues, Henry remains confident that the Gunners can still challenge for honours.



"We hope it stays, and that's the way it is," Henry told Sky Sports News. "I don't know exactly what is happening but as an Arsenal fan I want him to stay.



"He is still an Arsenal player and the boss has to deal with it."



When asked about Van Persie stating he will not sign a new contract, Henry replied: "I've got nothing to say about that, you will not get me to be one of the guys talking about the club and the player.



"I just want Arsenal to do well. Robin will do what he will do and we'll see.



"When I left, everybody cried, but then the year after they went on a run of being eight points ahead. Everyone comes and goes."

Ramsey hopes Van Persie will stay

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey says he and his team-mates are all keeping their fingers crossed that Robin van Persie decides to remain at Emirates Stadium for the coming season.



Van Persie's future remains in the balance, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus all expressing an interest in signing the Dutchman after he announced he would not sign an new contract with the Gunners.



The Arsenal captain enjoyed a stunning campaign in 2011-12, scoring 37 goals on his way to winning the PFA and Football Writers' Association Player of the Year awards, and his departure would leave Arsene Wenger with a gaping hole to fill.



Having played alongside Van Persie for the past four years and watched him sparkle last season, Ramsey is hoping the Gunners can hold on to him.



"We don't know anything that goes on. We hope that he stays at Arsenal," Ramsey said. "He had a brilliant season last year and he is a big player for us, so we are just hopeful that he will stay.''



Rumours surrounding Van Persie's future may refuse to disappear, but Ramsey still believes Arsene Wenger's side will be in good shape for 2012-13 after adding Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski to their ranks.



"If we get off to a better start this season than we did last season, we know we are capable of finishing pretty strongly, like we did last year," Ramsey said.



"We have brought in a couple of players who are well-known and hopefully we can put ourselves in a position to compete early on.''



One Arsenal player who will definitely be absent for the start of the season is Jack Wilshere, who continues to fight against injury problems.



Ramsey says he can empathise with his team-mate's plight having previously missed ten months on the sidelines with a double leg fracture.



"The worst position you are in is when you are on the medical bed and you can't get out on that training pitch," Ramsey said.



"I understand what he is going through at the moment, but he has to be mentally strong - which he has been so far - and he will be back before he knows it, playing again and showing what he can do.''

Wenger keen on Llorente if RVP leaves

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal could make a move for highly rated striker Fernando Llorente, especially if Robin Van Persie leaves the Emirates Stadium.



Llorente has been linked with a few clubs in this summer’s transfer window, which is no surprise as he was in sensational form for Athletic Bilbao last season.



The 27-year-old found the net 28 times for the La Liga side in the previous campaign, performances that earned him a place in the Spain squad for Euro 2012.



He seems to be the kind of striker that would suit the Gunners and exactly what they are looking for.



At 6ft 5ins he can be used as a target man, however is more than capable of playing his football on the floor.



With a £28 million release clause in his contract, Llorente would not come cheap for any side and Bilbao will surly do everything they can to keep their star man.



However, should Arsene Wenger receive a big sum of money for Van Persie, then he may be happy to splash the cash on the Spaniard.



Should they not be able to secure Llorente’s services, then it is being suggested that Robert Lewandowski is next on Wenger’s list.

Van Persie announces he will leave Arsenal

Robin van Persie has revealed that he will not sign a new contract at Arsenal and expects to continue his football career away from Emirates Stadium.



Van Persie, whose current contract with the Gunners is due to expire in 12 months' time, met with the club's hierarchy over an extension before Euro 2012, with talks subsequently postponed until after the Dutchman returned from his summer holidays.



The striker has had time to reflect on those talks - which he says did not centre on his own personal terms, but rather the direction the north London club is heading - and has now decided not to renew his contract, believing the club do not share his ambitions for the future.



"As announced earlier this year I had a meeting with the boss [Arsene Wenger] and Mr [Ivan] Gazidis after the season," said Van Persie in a statement. "This was a meeting about the club's future strategy and their policy. Financial terms or a contract have not been discussed, since that is not my priority at all.



"I personally have had a great season but my goal has been to win trophies with the team and to bring the club back to its glory days. Out of my huge respect for Mr Wenger, the players and the fans I don't want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal should move forward.



"I've thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract. You guys, the fans, have of course the right to disagree with my view and decision and I will always respect your opinions.



"I love the club and the fans, no matter what happens. I have grown up and became a man during my time with Arsenal. Everybody at the club and the fans have always supported me over the years and I have always given my all (and more) on and off the pitch.



"I am very proud of being part of this fantastic club for the last eight years. As soon as Mr Gazidis is back from his two-week holiday in America further meetings will follow and I will update you if and when there are more developments."



Van Persie was named the PFA footballer of the year for his performances last season, which saw him score 37 goals in all competitions for the club.



The 28-year-old has been linked with Manchester City, Juventus, Real Madrid and Barcelona since his contract situation became an issue.



Van Persie's exit would continue a worrying trend of Arsenal losing their best players - with Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri both leaving Arsenal last summer, after the club lost the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure 12 months prior.



The Gunners have already boosted their attacking options this summer - signing Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud, in a bid to both improve the playing staff and convince Van Persie of the club's ambition. However, Wenger and Gazidis will now have to decide whether to allow Van Persie to leave for nothing next summer, or cash in on the Dutchman while they still can.

Ljungberg: Arsenal must spend to keep Robin van Persie

Freddie Ljungberg believes Robin van Persie will sign a new deal at Arsenal if the Gunners promise to invest in “two or three top players” this summer.



Fancy a bet on Euro 2012? Open a bet365 account with £10 or more and you’ll get a free bet of up to £200



The Arsenal captain has just 12 months left on his current Gunners deal, prompting reported interest from the likes of Juventus and Manchester City.



Van Persie saw Cesc Fàbregas and Samir Nasri both leave The Emirates last summer and the pair have gone on to win silverware in their first seasons at Barcelona and Manchester City.



And former Gunners midfielder Ljungberg wants Arsenal to splash the cash on a number of world class players this summer in a bid to convince Van Persie to stay in north London.



“I think there’s nothing to advise Robin, I think it’s more to advise Arsenal,” said Ljungberg, 35.



“When Robin came to Arsenal, we were a winning team, and we won trophies. I think that’s what he wants to do. Arsenal have to open their wallet a little bit, and buy two or three top, top players, that will decide whether Robin stays or not.



“As a fan, I hope that is what they are going to do because I want to see Arsenal lift trophies again.



“When you see Cesc Fàbregas and Samir Nasri leave, maybe your two leading players, it’s something you don’t want to see at a club like Arsenal.



“You want to know that the best players are staying for sure, if someone isn’t making the team then they might be leaving, but not your top players.



“I want Arsenal to get back to that way.”



Ljungberg scored 71 goals in 313 Arsenal appearances after being signed by Arsène Wenger from Halmstad in 1998.



And the former Sweden international defended Wenger’s lack of spending over recent seasons and called on the club’s owners to openly declare how much money the Gunners boss has to spend during the summer transfer window.



“I would like the owners to talk openly. I’m not sure Arsène Wenger gets the money that’s been talked about in the media,” he added.



“If he’s not able to get the money to buy the players then Arsène has done wonders! It’s amazing what he has done with a young squad.



“I don’t think it [lack of transfer activity] should fall on Arsène at all. We don’t know if the money is there, and if he doesn’t buy anyone, don’t criticise him, because he’s done wonders.”

Van Persie wins PFA award

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has added to his growing haul of personal plaudits after being voted the Professional Football Association's fans' player of the year for 2011-12.

It is the third award won by the Holland international for his prolific form last season, having already landed the PFA players' and writers' awards.



Van Persie scored 37 goals in 48 appearances for Arsenal and is now recognised as one of Europe's top players.



"Robin had an exceptional season and has established himself in the mould of previous top quality Dutch strikers such as Dennis Bergkamp, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Marco van Basten," said PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor.



"He's very much in demand and Arsenal fans will be worrying whether Arsenal can get him to stay or whether he will move on to the likes of Manchester City.



"Many of his goals were the best of not just this season, but any season when you think of the quality of some of his volleys.

"He really has been a talisman for Arsenal and as captain has lifted them into qualifying for the Champions League again when all looked lost."



Burnley striker Jay Rodriguez, who signed for Southampton last week, scooped the Football League Championship award following his 21 goal-haul last season.



"Burnley born, Jay had some limited experience in their time in the Premier League but has really come good for the club," said Taylor.



Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Jose Semedo won the League One award while Lewis Grabban, the Rotherham United forward, was recognised in League Two.

Juventus eyeing RVP

Italian champions Juventus have expressed an interest in signing Arsenal striker Robin van Persie this summer.

The Turin giants are looking to reinforce their forward line with veteran Alessandro Del Piero set to leave the club next month and on-loan striker Marco Borriello expected to return to Roma in July.



"Van Persie is a great player," Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta said to www.calciomercato.com.



"He is a complete player and would be useful to any team. But he still has one year left in his contract with Arsenal.



"We will try to put the icing on the cake this summer but the important thing is that the mix is good."



Van Persie leads the Barclays Premier League goalscoring chart with 30 so far this season.



Juve have been closely monitoring Liverpool striker Luis Suarez as well as Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain.



"Van Persie, Suarez or Higuain? They are three important players," Marotta said.



"In fantasy football we could have the three of them playing in the same line-up but in reality, it is different.



"If one of them arrives (here) is not because he will be the less talented as other things have to be taken into account, such as the financial aspect.



"Moreover, if (Real Madrid coach Jose) Mourinho does not want to sell Higuain it will be impossible for us to get him and we also have to take that into consideration."

Robin Van Persie and Kyle Walker collect their respective PFA Player of the Year awards

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has been named the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year.



Van Persie, 28, has scored 27 Premier League goals this season for the Gunners - his most fruitful campaign for the club - and was humbled to be recognised by his peers.



''If other people are saying it, it is special, but it is even more special if your opponents are saying it,'' he said. ''It is very special because you are playing against them week in week out and every single player does everything to win and in the end if they make up their minds that I'm the best player it is a big honour.''



Van Persie may have picked up the top individual honour but he was quick to point out it would not have been possible without his Arsenal team-mates.



''Without them I could not have achieved it,'' he said. ''For example Theo Walcott, he has given me more than 12 assists and I do really appreciate that.''



The Young Player of the Year award went to Tottenham and England full-back Kyle Walker. The 21-year-old Spurs defender beat the likes of Sergio Aguero and Danny Welbeck to win the trophy and it came as quite a surprise to the former Sheffield United man.



''I was a bit surprised because defenders don't normally get these awards and get the limelight as much as the centre-forwards,'' he said. ''If you look at the people I was in with then it is a great honour to get the award and hopefully there is more to come.



''It is always an honour to be selected by the people you play against and, like I say, hopefully I can get a few more of these and some medals with Tottenham along the way.''

Van Persie sheds light on Barca hotel visit

Robin van Persie has laughed off reports linking him with a move to Barcelona and has moved to explain the source behind recent speculation.



The Arsenal captain, who is expected to make a decision on his Gunners future at the end of the season, was photographed at Barcelona's team hotel in London on Monday ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg against Chelsea.



But the Netherlands striker has revealed his motivation for the visit was to catch up with international team-mate Ibrahim Affelay.



"The explanation is really very simple. My very good friend Ibrahim Afellay plays for Barcelona," Van Persie said in Arsenal's Official Matchday Programme ahead of their Premier League clash against Chelsea.



"After a bad long-term injury he was finally back with the team - and during his absence I had been in contact with him a lot, but I hadn't seen him. This was an opportunity for me to go and visit a close friend, show him my support and catch up.



"Unfortunately this had to be at the hotel, because he was not permitted to leave it. I was wearing my Arsenal tracksuit and we sat down by the reception to have a chat and some food - everyone could see us and there was nothing to hide. I can't imagine anyone conducting transfer negotiations in these circumstances!



"The visit to the hotel was a social one and had nothing to do with the future of my career. I do have a social life next to football, even if my wife tells me that it sometimes doesn't seem that way! Nothing has changed in the sense that my intention remains to discuss my future in the summer."

Van Persie adds to calls for goalline technology

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has added his name to the list of those calling for the introduction of goalline technology, after saying he sympathised with Tottenham's frustrations in last weekend's FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea.



The debate over the use of technology to assist in important decisions was brought back into sharp focus after Chelsea's Juan Mata was awarded a goal despite the ball not crossing the line, and Van Persie says it is time for football to follow the lead of a number of other sports which successfully incorporate such systems into gameplay.



"There is a big issue in the game right now over goalline technology. My view is it has to be brought in to stop mistakes happening like in the FA Cup semi-final last Sunday," said Van Persie in The Sun.



"Everyone watching on television could see that Juan Mata's shot didn't cross the line but the referee gave the goal. These mistakes happen, but they can be avoided.



"I know as an Arsenal player it sounds weird but for a split second I did have some sympathy for Spurs. Although Chelsea went on to win the match 5-1, that was clearly a big turning point in the game.



"We should use whatever technology we have to make sure important decisions like that are the correct ones. We train so hard all week to make sure the ball in a match crosses the line, and then if it is taken away from you wrongly or given against you it can be extremely frustrating.



"The stakes are very high and it's a simple solution we must get right.



"They have technology in a lot of other major sports and it works very well. Football should follow suit. This is the biggest sport in the world and we should be using every resource available to ensure the result is fair."