Robin Van Persie has fought back against the claims that he slagged off Premier League players for living the party life and putting their professional careers in jeopardy because of it.
Using his Twitter account to address the quotes he is supposed to have made criticising the hedonistic lifestyle of English players, RVP said: "Want to clear up some things.I supposed to have made comments about the lifestyle of english players Words have been taken out of context. Only thing I meant to say is if u look after urself u can enjoy a longer career. Never mentioned english players in particular. Who am I to judge. Think the prem league is amazing and so are the boys playing in it!!"

RVP was supposed to have criticised unnamed "English colleagues" for their hedonistic behaviour and raised doubts over Arsenal's ability to challenge for the title.

He is reported to have said he rejected the idea that money or lifestyle were enough to keep him happy, but questioned whether young English players shared his philosophy.

It is claimed he said: "The really top players aren't fooled by riches or fame because they are fully focused with their football. For me, it's very important to be having breakfast every morning with my two children and that wouldn't be possible if you were hanging about in a disco all night.

"When I see some of my English colleagues who are out till three in the morning, then I can only conclude that they are invariably finished at 33."

As for our chances of winning the Premier League title, RVP is said to have been down after we again failed to mount a challenge. The quotes ran: "Every year it always goes wrong in an identical way and that is frustrating. When you look at results in the last years, then Arsenal shouldn't be talking about winning the league because too many times things have gone wrong.

"Sometimes you have to eat the truth and be realistic. But I do believe with the signing of a number of players, then next season we should be in there competing for prizes."

The young Lens centre-back Raphael Varane has been hugely impressive since making his debut for the Ligue 1 side in September, and has been a regular in the first team ever since.

Arsenal were linked with him earlier this year but for the last couple of months it seemed certain that the giant 18 year-old was set to join Man United for a fee of around £10m. In May Varane himself confirmed that there had been contact with Alex Ferguson’s side.

But now it is being reported that Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Juventus are all still in the running, and the youngster himself has basically ruled out a move to Man United as he is unlikely to be given first team football in their star-studded defence right now, with Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Chris Smalling and now Phil Jones ahead of him in the pecking order.

He said: “I am under contract at Lens until 2015. We are in talks with the chairman to find the best solution,”

“Interest from Bayern or Man United? It is greatly flattering to hear those names. But I can’t dream. I have to think about it and join a club that will allow me to improve.”

It would be nice to think that he would be given that chance under Wenger, and all French youngsters know that Arsenal is the place for development and a swift promotion to the first team if you are good enough.

Now that Wenger has missed out on Phil Jones, would Varane be the perfect back-up choice at half the price?

According to a report this morning in L’Equipe, the Lille striker Gervinho has given Arsene Wenger his word that he will sign for Arsenal rather than accept a late attempt to hijack the deal.

Lille had already refused a bid from Tottenham, and Liverpool were also reported to have made an offer for the Ivorian international, but it seems that Arsenal have won the race for the prolific Ivorian striker’s signature.

Although L’Equipe says it is a done deal, Gervinho’s agent, Seb Boisseau, refused to confirm that a decision had been made just yet, but he expects an announcement by the end of the week. The translation comes via the “Arsenal Regime” website.

He said: “It is difficult for me to discuss the situation because it is confidential, but it is true that many clubs in England have contacted us concerning the availability of Gervinho.”

“But we have not only spoken to clubs in England, but also Italy, Germany, Spain and France. The player wants to leave Lille and his priority is a move to England, however, it is difficult for me to speak about one club for the player. He wants to leave and has contacts with England and he is determined to play in the Premier League next season.”

“I do not know,” continued Boisseau. “For the moment he wants to think about Arsenal, Manchester City, and other clubs. It is difficult for me to comment, as you have good information and sometimes wrong information, but it is not good for me to comment, or for the clubs, or for Lille.

“For the moment it is confidential, and we will wait until Gervinho makes an agreement with one club.”

“I think a decision will be made regarding his future by the end of the week.”

I reported last week that Gervinho had decided to join Arsenal and was slated by everyone for mere speculation, but according to L’Equipe I was right!