Robin Van Persie might stay if Arsene Wenger is ruthless

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Arsenal are not an everyday club. But they have the same choice and Arsene Wenger, to maintain his own credibility, must be ruthless in weeding the squad this summer.

After the slaughter at the San Siro, there was talk of five or six players being sold. I'd double that - because it will take more than the heralded £50million to restore the club's lustre.

Too often, when Wenger's men are asked to stand up and be counted, all you see is the defiant head of Robin van Persie. Yet no one would blame him for seeking a more rewarding challenge when the campaign is over, even if it produces a Champions League place. Other assets, such as Bacary Sagna and Thomas Vermaelen, show signs of weakening, while even Jack Wilshere's loyalty could eventually be tested.

Wenger built his Arsenal reputation by getting the best out of known players (Henry, Vieira, Petit, Overmars, Gilberto, Van Persie) while unearthing young gems (Anelka, Fabregas). He then began to dwell too much on developing from within - a noble course, one Pep Guardiola has been following at Barcelona of late - and the outcome is there for all to lament on the back page of the Arsenal match programme.

It is a big squad, from which these names could be erased without widespread protest: Arshavin, Chamakh (wrong mentality), Djourou, Gibbs, Diaby, Walcott (no discernible development), Mertesacker, Gervinho, Park, Squillaci (fish out of water). Add Bendtner, Vela and Denilson, all on loan, and Wenger could raise £50m. With the club matching that, he could sign the truly coveted talents - the likes of Mario Gotze or Eden Hazard - who might persuade Van Persie to stay.