Arsenal have responded to Robin van Persie’s announcement on his website that he will not be penning a new deal by issuing a statement.

 

The statement is not clear about whether Van Persie will be allowed to leave this summer or whether the club force him to stay on. However, it does say that the Gunners respect their captain’s decision to not extend his contract.

 

“We have to respect Robin’s decision not to renew his contract”, read the statement.

 

The official response on the website also said that the Premier League giants hope that Van Persie will respect his contract and will be ready to play when called upon; he is under contract until 2013.

 

“Robin has one year to run on his current contract and we are confident that he will fulfil his commitments to the club.”

 

It is being speculated that Arsenal will be ready to cash in on the Dutch forward rather than to make him stay for the 2012/13 season and lose him for free afterwards.

 

However, it remains to be seen whether the club will take the bold position of not letting Van Persie go or look to sell the player to generate enough funds to sign any replacement.

 

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