Wenger Banned RVP From Asia Tour As Vermaelen Made Captain

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger forced want-away striker Robin van Persie to stay in London and miss the clubs pre-season tour of Asia, according to the Mirror.

The Dutchman’s future is up in the air after declaring his intention not to sign a new contract at the Emirates, and it seems Wenger felt this uncertainty may be an unwanted distraction to the clubs pre-season preparations.

The Mirror report that van Persie was keen to make the trip to Asia with his Arsenal team mates but following a meeting with Wenger on Thursday, the Frenchman decided it was best to leave him at home.

A ‘squad member’ apparently told the Mirror:

“Everyone was surprised that the boss ­decided on Thursday that Robin was not allowed to come with us.”

In his absence, defender Thomas Vermaelen has been named as Arsenal’s captain for the pre-season tour and is likely to be named as permanent skipper if van Persie finally leaves this summer.

The Mirror claim that Manchester United are now firm favourites to land the Holland striker, but Sir Alex Ferguson is refusing to be drawn in to a bidding war with City and Juventus.

Rivals Manchester City are believed to have tabled the highest bid so far – around £15m – but Arsenal are holding out for nearer £30m, a figure that Fergie is unlikely to sanction for the striker, who turns 29 in August.

Read more Arsenal transfer news | Man Utd transfer news | Man City transfer news

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