Arsenal’s Van Persie is the best but he needs help

Robin Van Persie has had the perfect season. The 28-year-old striker has scored 38 times this season, including 34 goals in all competitions for Arsenal. He’s scored with his left foot, his right foot, his head, through technique, from incredible angles and amazing volleys. He’s even won the PFA player of the year award.
But at the end of the day, despite all his heroics, Arsenal are still 18 points behind Manchester United and 15 points behind second-placed Manchester City in the English Premiership table. They are not part of the race; they are just there – bystanders, looking at the two Manchester clubs battle it out for the top honour.
And somewhere, deep in his heart, this must hurt Van Persie. He’s brilliant but is that quality an end to itself or is trophies what he desires most? This is first time since 2009 that he hasn’t been hurt and missed a substantial part of the season and his form just kept improving with every match.

Can Arsenal get Van Persie to stay? Reuters

His troubles began with a knee injury that kept him out for 5 days in 2009 but then escalated with such frequency that he spent more time on the sidelines than on the pitch. In November ’09, he tore his ankle ligaments and that kept him out of football for 150 days. Before he could settle down, he got injured against in August ’10. A twisted ankle conspired to keep him out of action for 69 days. More minor injuries followed but they were mere nuisances. This season, the only time he has spent on the outside is 2 days due to a red card offence. And that is why Wenger needs to pull out all the stops and keep Van Persie at Arsenal – the Dutchman is only going to get better.
Last summer, Wenger failed to hold onto key players such as Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas last summer but this year, he can’t afford the luxury. Van Persie will be a free agent come May and AC Milan are already sniffing around.
If Van Persie leaves, the gains of this season will almost instantly disappear for the Gunners. The brilliant comeback by the team after losing 8-2 to Manchester United early in the season will stand for nothing because they will need to rebuild again; start the same journey all over again.
The Dutchman needs help. There has been an over-reliance on him this season – maybe because Arsenal didn’t have any other option but Wenger will know that such a brilliant season may never come again which is why Van Persie needs support.
If Arsenal want to rise again; if they want to challenge for top honours again – their off-season will need to be as brilliant as their late-season form. For starters, Van Persie should stay and Wenger should open the money purse and dig deep for talent that can make the Gunners hit the bullseye.