Audio By Carbonatix
Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov has criticised the running of the club after captain Robin van Persie revealed he would not be renewing his contract.
The Dutchman, who scored 30 Premier League goals last season, has less than a year remaining on his current deal and could either leave the club for a cut price this summer or in 12 months on a free.
Van Persie is the latest big-name player to refuse to commit to Arsenal, after the departure of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri last summer, and Usmanov demands answers on how the club will prevent further losses.
"Yet again we are faced with losing our true marquee player because we cannot give confidence we can win trophies," he said.
"As a top club we should, at the very least, match if not beat the offers that other clubs make to try and lure our very best players away and provide a more compelling vision for the future.
In an open letter to the club's board, Usmanov's Red and White Holding company said: "In our view it is clear you are trying to distract attention from the more fundamental issues facing the club. These are the financial model, the lack of investment and club's future strategic direction."
"As a consequence of this policy, which is dressed up as prudent financial planning, it is down to our manager and not the shareholders, to have to deal with the club's tight finances, carry the burden of repaying the stadium debt by selling his best players and having to continue to find cheaper replacements.
"This policy is leading to the loss of our best players, often to main competitors, and even causes the players themselves to question their future at the club and the club's ambitions.
"The situation with Robin van Persie sums this up."
In his explanation for leaving the club, Van Persie said he and manager Arsene Wenger had disagreed over Arsenal's future, while revealing financial terms had not been discussed.
Arsenal are without a trophy since 2005, when they won the FA Cup against Manchester United, but have made appearances in the League Cup final and Champions League final amid their seven year trophy drought.
Usmanov added: "As a top club we should, at the very least, match if not beat the offers that other clubs make to try and lure our very best players away and provide a more compelling vision for the future.
"You can try and put a good face on a bad game for as long as you want, but it will not hide the obvious fact that it just does not allow our great manager to fully realise his managerial talent and deliver success for fans who are paying the highest prices in the land."
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana is rising again – Mahama declares
60 minutes -
Firefighters subdue blaze at Accra’s Tudu, officials warn of busy fire season ahead
2 hours -
New Year’s Luv FM Family Party in the park ends in grand style at Rattray park
2 hours -
Mahama targets digital schools, universal healthcare, and food self-sufficiency in 2026
2 hours -
Ghana’s global image boosted by our world-acclaimed reset agenda – Mahama
2 hours -
Full text: Mahama’s New Year message to the nation
2 hours -
The foundation is laid; now we accelerate and expand in 2026 – Mahama
2 hours -
There is no NPP, CPP nor NDC Ghana, only one Ghana – Mahama
2 hours -
Eduwatch praises education financing gains but warns delays, teacher gaps could derail reforms
3 hours -
Kusaal Wikimedians take local language online in 14-day digital campaign
3 hours -
Stop interfering in each other’s roles – Bole-Bamboi MP appeals to traditional rulers for peace
4 hours -
Playback: President Mahama addressed the nation in New Year message
4 hours -
Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union call for strong work ethics, economic participation in 2026 new year message
6 hours -
Crossover Joy: Churches in Ghana welcome 2026 with fire and faith
6 hours -
Traffic chaos on Accra–Kumasi Highway leaves hundreds stranded as diversions gridlock
6 hours
