Small change really

While Arsenal only lost 2-1 at Old Trafford yesterday, the margin could have been bigger if United had taken their chances.   The somewhat reluctant role played by Robin van Persie only serves to emphasise the need for Arsenal to develop a funding strategy to retain their better players and acquire new ones if they are to compete at the highest level.

While Arsenal only lost 2-1 at Old Trafford yesterday, the margin could have been bigger if United had taken their chances.   The somewhat reluctant role played by Robin van Persie only serves to emphasise the need for Arsenal to develop a funding strategy to retain their better players and acquire new ones if they are to compete at the highest level.

It is being claimed that the contract dispute between Theo Walcott and Arsenal amounts to a difference of about £10,000 a week, which is £520,000 over a year or £2.6m over the course of a five year contract.  Of course, there are people who earn less than £10,000 a year, but in football terms for a supposedly leading club this is small change.   It could certainly be paid for out of Arsenal’s cash pile.

As things stand Arsenal are in danger of losing him on a free transfer.