Arsenal have made waves in this transfer market like never before. With most Premier League teams yet to make more than one major signing (bar Chelsea), Arsenal has strengthened with Podolski, Giroud and (soon to be announced – LadyArse states it may not happen until next week, read about that here) Cazorla. We have also supposedly made a bid for Sahin on loan.

These are top players – the kind of signings that we may get once a year, not three or four in one summer. These guys are up there with the likes of Arteta, Arshavin, Nasri and Gallas. These signings should excite the fans, and a quick look at Twitter tells you that is precisely what is happening.

But the big question among Gooners is this – will it excite van Persie? Will this transfer market activity convince him to stay?

If you’ve forgotten his statement, or want reminding of the exact wording, here it is:

This is an update for the fans about my current situation. I have kept quiet all this time out of respect and loyalty for the club and as agreed with Mr. Gazidis and Mr. Wenger, but since there is so much speculation in the media, I think it is fair for you guys to know what’s really going on at the moment.

As announced earlier this year I had a meeting with the Boss and Mr. Gazidis after the season. This was a meeting about the club’s future strategy and their policy. Financial terms or a contract have not been discussed, since that is not my priority at all.

I personally have had a great season but my goal has been to win trophies with the team and to bring the club back to its glory days. Out of my huge respect for Mr. Wenger, the players and the fans I don’t want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward.

I’ve thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract. You guys, the fans, have of course the right to disagree with my view and decision and I will always respect your opinions.

I love the club and the fans, no matter what happens. I have grown up and became a man during my time with Arsenal FC. Everybody at the club and the fans have always supported me over the years and I have always given my all (and more) on and off the pitch. I am very proud of being part of this fantastic club for the last 8 years. As soon as Mr. Gazidis is back from his 2-week holiday in America further meetings will follow and I will update you if and when there are more developments.

His decision not to sign a new deal seemed to be based on disagreeing how Arsenal should move forward. He also states his goal is to win trophies and bring the club back to its glory days. And funnily enough, it seems that the club is making moves to do exactly what van Persie wants – win trophies.

Signing this kind of talent could be Wenger’s way of replacing van Persie, but it could also be a way to get the captain to sign. And if van Persie were to leave after these signings, he’d look like a bit of an idiot if Arsenal does particularly well next season.

Another possibility is that van Persie never really wanted to leave, but made the statement to shock the club into buying world-class talent. It’s an unlikely scenario, but you can’t rule out this kind of football politics.

Then again, van Persie may not be motivated by trophies at all, but by money. Personally, I doubt it, but if this is the case, then it doesn’t really matter who we sign.

So what do you think van Persie will choose to do? Recently we did a poll about what Arsenal should do with van Persie, and 55% of responses wanted to sell him to Juve or City. A significant number of people wanted to drop him as captain but keep him in the team and let him leave on a free. And barely anyone wanted to sell him to Utd.

Now we’d like to know what you think van Persie will choose to do, given the recent news about Cazorla and Sahin.