Arsenal News 24/7Writer: Brice Coffer 
Date:Wednesday July 8 2009
Time: 4:20PM
UK time is: 08:57:32
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Arsenal Complete Fourth Signing In A Week
Ivan Gazidis continues his rampage through expiring contracts by tying Robin van Persie to the club on a long term contract
After having a brilliant first injury free season for Arsenal, where the Dutchman racked up 20 goals, fans were worried when such respectable sources like the Sun linked van Persie with a move to Inter Milan, Barcelona, and even Manchester United(Cue me falling off my chair and rolling around the floor in laughter). Despite the rags linking him to a big money move away from N5, van Persie always gave out positive vibes about his contract situation, which was understandably put on the back burner until the summer. Now it is official and Robin has committed his thunderous left foot and more than competent chocolate foot to Arsenal's trophy hunt.
Here's what van Persie had to say:
"I`m so happy to have signed a new long term contract. I`ve been at the Club for five years now and there really is a great feeling here at Arsenal. We have a top class manager, a squad full of superb young players, a world class stadium and brilliant supporters. Arsenal Football Club has a very bright future and I want to be part of it.
'My heart is with Arsenal and I just can`t picture myself in a different shirt. I just can`t see it now because I love this Club so much. If you look at the last five years, look at the steps I have made every season, if you look at the support the Boss and the whole Club gave me, the fans gave me, my team mates gave me - this is the right decision.'
Congrats Robin, and thank you for showing loyalty to the club that gambled on you as a talented, rebel teenager. Here is your chance to become a true legend at this club by achieving the success you crave so much.
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Your Comments
I must admit, there is a big difference now tho the close season last year. Gazidis must have made a difference here. Just looking at Chelsea at the the moment, it's nice not to be having the same problems at the moment.
navydave
I'm very happy to know that Robin has signed on but I'm even happier to see that he has matured so much!
GoonerLou
It's amazing to see how much RVP has matured this year alone. From being sent off against Stoke for a childish act in November, to wearing the captains armband for Arsenal just three months later.
gunnerkid107
I think the club will benefit greatly from the stability Gazidis is bringing to the contracts side. 99% of gooners have been saying that all we need is the existing squad fit, plus a couple of quality and experienced players in key positions, and we will be a massive force next season.
I agree that Chavski in particular seem to be struggling to build any sort of team.
nickynicknick
This is great great news!
D4NNYT
For those who don't have ATVO, here are a few more quotes from the exclusive interview: "One of the main reasons I signed was to lift a big trophy. I do not want to do it with a different team. I want to lift it with Arsenal. That is now my main target and it would make me so proud to do it." :) http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_5421470,00.html
GoonerLou
Walcott, Wilshere, Gibbs, Ramsey and now Van Persie all signed up, this bodes very well for the stability of the squad. Lets hope that RVP can stay fit again next year and continues to build on what was a stunning season for him. Thank you Robin.
GunnerBlood
Time for him to kick on now from star to superstar. The premiership is looking for its new marquee player now Ronaldo has gone, RVP has all the tools to be that player.
iceman10
Exactly, a fit RVP has the potential to really stomp all over the Premiership. Remember that goal against Liverpool, well tasty.
GunnerBlood
I'm really pleased with this news. Since he's been with Arsenal he's become not only a great footballer, but a really likeable guy, and from a fan's perspective great to have around. Getting the correct balance of openness and restraint with the media is an often overlooked quality for a footballer or manager, and Robin, like Arsene and gets it perfectly. It may seem trivial but it's important to partially bridge the gap between the team and the supporters whilst not saying anything out of place (Ade, Billy G...). One thing I've noticed with this team compared to our previous ones is that most of our players appear to be very shy off the pitch, although I'd expect youth plays a part in that.
ArsenalRob
That's an interesting point Iceman. I'd say whoever leads their team to the title this season will have a huge chance of being that new marquee player.
gunnerkid107
I agree with everything said above. The pleasing thing from a football point of view is that generally speaking, strikers are most productive b/w 25 and 30 - see Henry, Bergkamp, RVN, Toni, Klose, Eto'o, Villa, et al.
I don't think anyone here doubts that if he can combine his talents over a whole season, the results should be world leading.
Add to that his commitment to the club and his maturing as a leader and team man, I'm forced to positively reassess his worth to the club. Arsenal's most important player? Quite probably.
hughied
The stamp of Gazidis on this club is already unmistakable. I really like this focus, and we're in a position where we can let Ade go if he doesnt really want to be here, as opposed to letting Flamini and Hleb go last summer. The activity seems to be much more focussed, now that Wenger has help from Gazidis in the transfer market. Now, to wrap up just one more signing, and we'll be good to go for the season.
prits
This sounds like great stuff is now going to happen at the Emirates the way it should. Van P surely knows what he wants and he is bound to make his own record at the Emirates.
Bravo Van P! Don't be shaken, That's the spirit of a true GUNNER!
Kathryn-Cesc
I read that RVP felt that he couldn't wear any other shirt apart from his Arsenal one. I really hope that that is the truth. I have a niggly, awkward feeling that no one else actually came in for Sir Robin, and he signed his contract as a matter of convenience.
Cockney Rich
Off topic I know, but seeing as we're in the market for a dominant PV4 replacement to play alongside Fabregas... Has anyone thought about bringing back Patrick for a season ? (Admittedly I haven't watched him for Inter at all, he may be riddled with injuries or suffering from the one-leg-is-an-inch-longer-than-the-other as Tony Adams once prophesized would cause problems). I know it goes against Wengers policy of only recruiting youngsters, but perhaps PV could do a job (at the very least in a squad capacity), bring some experience, leadership, height and aggression to the table. He's available for a snip from Inter, and looking for one last big season prior to the World Cup - so he knows he has to perform. He knows the Premiership, he knows how the team are meant to play, he knows Wenger and most of his teammates. Ok - he might not be able to play every game every week, but suppose he was bought -=in addition to=- a new defensive midfielder (as he would cost next to nothing - albeit with higher wages than a typical squad player - he's not going to be expecting his salary to raise going to Brum at 33y/o). Any mileage in this ? Perhaps he could have a similar effect to Claude Makalele at Chelsea, or Henrik Larsson at Man Utd - a cheap gamble ?
Englishman-in-NY
I take you point Englishman-in-NY, but bringing back Paddy would amount to sheer lunacy. We have had the best years from PV4, so lets remeber him at his majestic,never-say-die best.
What about Remi Garde, Alberto Mendez or perhaps Stefan Malz ?
Cockney Rich
What about Huntelaar? Madrid seem to be doing their most to boot him out and apparantly Marseille are favourites to get him. Is he good enough for us? I know pre madrid i would of liked to seen him play for us and he scored a few for them in limited appearances.... Justa thought
paul_ownz
' rosicky and eduardo are like new signings '.....why havent we sold diaby yet
bootoo
a lot of good players joining the club , good luck for the new season .
Kimbo
I don't think that was the case Cockney Rich. He said in his interview that the club and him agreed terms in early June, but since he was on vacation he hadn't been in London to sign the papers and officially complete the deal till now.
gunnerkid107
Great News! I'm very please to see that RvP has signed a long term contract. Yes, I agree that having Gazidis to do the paperwork is certainly helping Arsenal. And like many others I too hope that RvP can continue to score goals for The Arsenal!
Let's not forgot that RvP hit the woodwork alot so his end tally could have been 25+!
hackneyval
Thank you gunnerkid107, I didn't see the whole of RVP'S interview. I had heard that he had agreed to his new contract, in principal, a few weeks ago. Anyway, whatever the case, I am delighted he has decided to extend his stay, and I am looking forward to this new season. RVP feels he has a point to prove and this will be an important season for him.
Cockney Rich
I think every Arsenal fan out there should be extremly happy about this news of RVP and extremly proud of the player that he's become. Next season is our season and RVP will be up there along with the likes of Cesc and Arshavin playing football the way it's supposed to be played :)
FuiKaka
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