Soccer:Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists there is no issue with Robin van Persie's contract situation after the Dutch striker, who was two years still left to run on his contract, hinted he is in no rush to commit his long term future to the club.
The news has fuelled rumours that Arsenal could lose Van Persie in a similar way to Samir Nasri, who joined Manchester City after refusing to sign a new contract. Wenger insists they are determined to keep Van Persie, but he believes there is no rush to resolve the forward’s future with the player under contract until 2013.
“On our side we are quite clear. We are clear with our intention (to keep him) but after that you have to respect (Van Persie). He has nearly two years to go so let’s not make an immediate issue of something like that. Two years in football is a very, very long time.”
Arsenal will be without England winger Theo Walcott (knee), centre-back Laurent Koscielny (ankle) and forward Gervinho (hamstring) for tomorrow night's Champions League clash against Olympiacos at the Emirates Stadium. Midfielder Yossi Benayoun (thigh) and centre-back Johan Djourou (hamstring) remain out.
Midfielders Jack Wilshere, Abou Diaby and defender Thomas Vermaelen continue their rehabilitation from ankle injuries.
Provisional squad: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Song, Gibbs, Rosicky, Arteta, Ramsey, Frimpong, Arshavin, Van Persie, Fabianski, Chamakh, Coquelin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Santos, Jenkinson, Miquel, Miyaichi.
