Also file under:
- The rich get richer
- You knew it would happen
- Why everybody loves to hate mighty Manchester United
The best striker in the Premiership last season has joined the best club in the Premiership over the last bunch of seasons, as Dutch marksman Robin van Persie finalized his long-rumored move to Manchester United.
Discussion points on Wednesday’s whopper news:
- If there’s any surprise at all here (probably not) it’s where van Persie is landing more than his departure from the Emirates itself. That became a fait accompli back on July 4, when he issued a statement that said, in so many words, “Cheerio, old Arsenal chaps.” The statement said he wouldn’t sign a new deal to remain at the Emirates. Thus, Arsenal faced a choice of selling van Persie this summer, or losing him in the coming months without compensation.
- The reported sale price is 23 million pounds, or about $36 million.
- It’s not the best news for Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, who is the clear No. 3 striker now, at best. The Mexican international should get plenty of playing time, however. Figuring in matches from Premiership play, the league cup, the FA Cup and Champions League, Manchester United land in the neighborhood of 55 matches, plenty of them stacked within close proximity of one another.
- Replacement for Gunnersin North London? He’s already there, according to club officials, who point to summer signings Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud. Maybe they have a point. Together, they might – just might – score as many goals as van Persie put away in last year’s landmark campaign. The Dutchman struck 37 times last year in all competitions.
- This probably represents the biggest 2012 summer exchange, from one EPL club to another, at least.
