Depends on what he means by 'big wages'. Sure, we can't give him 200-300k per week, but something like 120k p/w is definitely within our means.

He specifically mentioned 250k.

Personally, I don't think Robin's holding out for that much. I'm more inclined to believe the stories about Robin waiting for the club to show some ambition in the transfer market.

Another proven quality signing like Podolski could convince him.

That's what hill-wood hopes too.

I'd love for Robin to stay but if City offer 250k, which is probably double what he could earn here, while being more competitive trophywise he' have to be a very big arsenal fan to turn it down. I still harbour a little bit of irrational hope though.

I like the irrational hope.

I'd be a bit annoyed if we were losing our star player to an Italian side.

It's a strange one - I originally didn't believe that Juventus would be a runner but now, given the deafening silence from both Barca and Madrid, I'm beginning to think it could happen if he really is intent on leaving.

he's not going to a league that's fixed, with slow pitches and no fans. and torino is a horrible place.

If we can't match Juve for wages we're fucked too.

I just don't see it. I think he might go to City. They have everything he wants money, success and guys he knows like Toure, Clichy, DeJong, etc

Who are they getting rid of this summer, maybe we could get a swap as well as money.

I think he's holding out for Barcelona and Real Madrid. If they don't put in any formal bids for him he's off to City in august.

I wouldn't be surprised if somethings already agreed with one of those 3 and everyones just keeping schtum until we sort out Giroud.

qs! wrote:

I'd be a bit annoyed if we were losing our star player to an Italian side.

why? It'd annoy me least. I'd prefer him to be as far away from the league as possible if he leaves.

Because Serie A's a fourth-rate league with dwindling cash and pride I suppose Bandy, and we should be able to match the ambitions of any player willing to play in it.

Can't say the same about the big two in La Liga.

I'm coming around to the idea that Van Persie is gone. We should be offering him another 50k/w just to hang on, but won't. But we'll survive and maybe even prosper if we sign Giroud to go with Podolski and one more high calibre attacking player.

Minimal or no contribution from Robin has been the status quo, last season was the outlier. I would feel the schadenfreude if he went to a PL rival or La Liga and broke down in the first few weeks.

qs! wrote:

I wouldn't be surprised if somethings already agreed with one of those 3 and everyones just keeping schtum until we sort out Giroud.

Agreed.

It's good that we're being proactive about replacing a star player this time round. Just a shame it's an underwhelming replacement.

Yeah, it's good we're getting the hang of this 'selling club' thing.

I actually wouldn't be half as down on the whole selling our best players thing if we consistently went out and spent them money on new players. Its the lack of reinvestment thats pissed me off over the years.

Cant see Juve paying top dollar for him. Dunno, not convinced he's definitely off yet.