'Barcelona need Arsenal's Robin van Persie more' - Former Real Madrid director Jorge Valdano

The Santiago Bernabeu side's former sporting director has voiced his opinion that Los Blancos do not require the services of the Dutchman, but the Blaugrana might need him

10 Feb 2012 15:27:00

By Stefan Coerts

More On :  Arsenal FC, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Robin van Persie
EPL,Robin van Persie, Arsenal v Blackburn Rovers
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Former Real Madrid director Jorge Valdano has stated his belief that Los Blancos do not need Arsenal striker Robin van Persie as he feels the Liga table-toppers already have a near-perfect squad.

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The Netherlands' international has a contract with Arsenal until the summer of 2013 and, with no discussion of an extension expected before the summer, speculation that he could be on his way out of the Gunners has started to emerge.

Van Persie has recently been linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid, and Valdano feels that the Catalans need the striker more than Madrid do.

"Van Persie is needed more at Barcelona than at Real Madrid in my opinion. Madrid are already pretty close to having perfect squad," Valdano said to El Larguero.

The 28-year-old Van Persie has been in superb form for Arsenal in 2011-12, and has already scored 22 goals in 24 Premier League appearances.

Boss Arsene Wenger is thought to be desperate to keep the player, after already notching 22 goals in 24 Premier League appearances this season, and will no doubt be reluctant to enter negotiations with Barcelona after the extremely protracted saga surrounding Cesc Fabregas, which he credits as playing a part in the north London side's poor start to the current campaign.

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