In a stunning rumour, Manchester United striker Robin van Persie was today linked with a move to Premier League rivals Chelsea.
The Dutchman is reportedly unhappy at Old Trafford, and took a swipe at David Moyes’ tactics as well as his team mates after the recent 2-0 Champions League loss to Olympiacos.
“Our fellow players are sometimes occupying the spaces I want to play in,” said van Persie. “And when I see that it makes it difficult for me to come to those spaces as well. So that forces me to adjust my runs, based on the position of my fellow players. And unfortunately, they’re often playing in my zones. I think that’s a shame.”
Ever since making those comments, the former Arsenal striker has been linked with a move away from United, with a return to the Emirates Stadium even suggested at one point – but today’s speculation was even more surprising.
Tuttosport reported that Italian side Juventus, Ligue 1 big spenders Monaco and Chelsea were three teams lining up a move for the hitman, with a summer move targeted. At 30 years old, it wouldn’t at all be a surprise to see United try to recoup some of their money on van Persie, and moves to Italy or France could certainly be plausible, but a move back to London seems incredibly unlikely at this point.
The Blues are in desperate need of a striker after underwhelming seasons from Samuel Eto’o, Demba Ba andFernando Torres, and adding a natural goalscorer like van Persie could improve Jose Mourinho’s side, but there have to be concerns about this move given the deal they agreed for Torres back in 2011.
The situation can be somewhat comparable – Torres, playing under a new manager at Liverpool in Roy Hodgson, had a disappointing season marred by niggling injuries before making a shock, big money move to West London. He has still yet to rediscover his form, and probably never will. Van Persie has had a similar season and at 30, there won’t be much time left for him to get back to his best.
Additionally, a move back to London – where van Persie would be surrounded by Arsenal fans who still resent the Dutchman – may not be the best move for him or his family, whilst it may be foolish of Moyes to sell a top striker like van Persie to a team who could be a title rival in the future, if United can bounce back from a poor season.
Van Persie may fit in well at Chelsea – but it seems unlikely that he would get that far.
Source: HITCsport
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