Van Persie hopes for injury free season and talks up Adebayor partnership...

For me, Robin van Persie is our most exciting player to watch. He has skill and deftness of touch to rival that of his legendary Dutch counterpart, as well as the power and clinical finishing abilities of many a number 9 gone by. Such a shame then that we all have had to endure so many lengthy spells on the sidelines over the past 2 seasons. A combination of bad luck and misjudgment with his injuries meant some were starting to doubt whether Robin was ever going to develop the guile and grit his talent so deserves. Robin though believes the miserly 2 years have taught him a great deal as to how he manages himself and how to avoid injury in the future.

“I have learned a lot in the last two years because I have been injured so much,” said Van Persie. “I learned what my body can take and what it can't, so it was an interesting period for me.
 
“I hope next season will not be so unlucky with injuries.  But at the moment, I just do not want to think about that, the negative stuff. If you think positive, you get positive.

“My target is to be as fit as possible after a month because the season is long. We have to build it all up slowly with gym work, cardio work and games. It is really important for me to get a good start.”

As an individual Robin is as skilful a player as you will see and really does give us a different option in attack, i.e someone who shoots from outside the box.

Robins optimism also extended to the teams ambitions for the coming season, as well as the potential behind his and Adebayors strike partnership.

“I think any of the top four can win the title,” said Van Persie. “I am not going to say we are going to win it, because you never know. They do not know, we do not know either. But I hope we can.

“Arsenal have to win something every year, that is our aim. If it is not happening, then everyone is really disappointed.

“But I am certainly committed to winning it, and if you look around, so is everyone here.”

With Van Persie's injury restrictions over the last 2 seasons there hasn't really been a chance to see him and Adebayor playing side by side on a consistent basis, though a successful outing against Madrid on Sunday has many looking forward to seeing the duo pairing up more this season.

"We showed that Ade and I have a few nice combinations together," said Van Persie.

"That is really important for two strikers, you always have to work together, you always have to look for each other. Hopefully this is a good start."

After making a welcome appearance at Ashburton Grove at the weekend, Eduardo has reitterated his desire to feature again before Christmas. Rumours were abound that the Crozillian would be looking to be back in the first team fold within weeks of the seasons opener but after such a horrific injury caution and patience are the key.

Youngster Armand Traore has signed a new contract with the club. Traore is someone who has flattered to deceive at times but its clear that he does have great potential - whether it is at left back is another question. An opportunity on the left wing in some of our Carling or FA Cup games this season could be of great benefit to the team as a whole as I think his attacking instincts far outweigh his defensive ones at the moment. Alternatively a spell on loan could help in honing his defending, especially as Clichy won't be ousted any time soon.

With Arsene having ruled out a bid for Gareth Barry its being reported that we are now showing an interest in Real Madrid squad player Ruben De La Red. Despite an impressive spell at Getafe it seems increasingly difficult for De La Red to secure a midfield berth at Madrid, especally with the confirmed signing of Rafael Van Der Vaart over the weekend. According to the Telegraph a fee of £9.5 million should suffice though whether there is some truth to this story remains to be seen.