ALEX FERGUSON IS still hopeful Manchester United can secure a deal for Arsenal star Robin van Persie.
Netherlands international Van Persie has been the subject of much speculation during the close season, with United, Manchester City and Italian giants Juventus all linked with the striker after he announced he would not be signing a new contract with the north London side in July.
However, no club has been able to agree a fee with Arsenal, and the prospect of the 29-year-old remaining at the Emirates Stadium for another year has begun to look increasingly likely, even after Arsenal’s signing of Santi Cazorla.
Speaking after United’s pre-season penalty shoot-out defeat to Barcelona, Ferguson said: “We have made a bid and they’ve been trying to negotiate with other clubs. We just have to persevere. Hopefully it will come our way. We’re trying our best but there’s no progress at this moment in time.”
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Fergie also claimed Arsenal’s unwillingness to sell their captain was proving a stumbling block.
“I don’t have a gut feeling on it at the moment, I must admit,” he said. ”We’re not getting any breakthrough with Arsenal. It’s difficult to say why they’re operating this way. I don’t know what their thoughts are because they’re not giving anything away.”
Ferguson: Van Persie deal in the balance
ALEX FERGUSON IS still hopeful Manchester United can secure a deal for Arsenal star Robin van Persie.
Netherlands international Van Persie has been the subject of much speculation during the close season, with United, Manchester City and Italian giants Juventus all linked with the striker after he announced he would not be signing a new contract with the north London side in July.
However, no club has been able to agree a fee with Arsenal, and the prospect of the 29-year-old remaining at the Emirates Stadium for another year has begun to look increasingly likely, even after Arsenal’s signing of Santi Cazorla.
Speaking after United’s pre-season penalty shoot-out defeat to Barcelona, Ferguson said: “We have made a bid and they’ve been trying to negotiate with other clubs. We just have to persevere. Hopefully it will come our way. We’re trying our best but there’s no progress at this moment in time.”
Fergie also claimed Arsenal’s unwillingness to sell their captain was proving a stumbling block.
“I don’t have a gut feeling on it at the moment, I must admit,” he said. ”We’re not getting any breakthrough with Arsenal. It’s difficult to say why they’re operating this way. I don’t know what their thoughts are because they’re not giving anything away.”
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