Robin Van Persie is one of the most sought after players in Europe this summer, but he’s not talking about his future until the 2012 Euro tournament is over. However, dropping hints is never bad, like saying Juventus are a great club. Means anything? You be the judge.
What is known is that Juventus, who’ll return to the Champions League after two seasons away from Europe’s top club competition aren’t just going to participate. After winning the Serie A title for the first time since returning from their forced exile to Serie B, the Agnelli family wants to restore their former status in the continent as well.
First on the table? Signing a big name striker. Juve didn’t go for big names last summer – they just bolstered the squad with much needed quality all around – Andre Pirlo, Mirko Vucinic, Arturo Videl, Stephan Lichtsteiner. This year, they’ll probably want to go bigger, and getting a striker after last season’s scoring problems up front almost thwarted the title run, it’s an obvious need.
But Juventus aren’t the only ones after Van Persie – Manchester City are smelling the blood, like with every big transfer over the last couple of years, especially regarding Arsenal players (Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy, Kolo Toure). Juventus might be a bigger name, but City have a bigger and deeper wallet.
Still, Van Persie is focusing on success with the Netherlands, hoping that his fantastic year for Arsenal – 30 league goals while winning the PFA and Writers’ awards for player of the year help him and the Dutch national team win a tournament for the first time since 1988.
My future? I have agreed with Arsenal not to discuss it. I can only talk of my intention to play in the Euros and win it and then continue to win in the Champions League. Juventus? They are a great team, for sure.
Manchester United Sign Shinji Kagawa
While rumors and speculations are all nice and fun to talk about, it’s better when they actually become reality. After a month of talk about how Kagawa is or isn’t someone worth signing not just for the profit he’ll bring in the Japanese market, Manchester United announced they’ve completed the deal to bring him from Dortmund.
Subject to a medical and work permit, the Kagawa deal will see £16 million move from Manchester United to Dortmund, who will make a 5300% profit on the attacking midfielder, helping them win the last two Bundesliga titles.