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New signing? Robin and Shaqeel van Persie greet the Emirates crowd. Sean Dempsey/PA Archive/Press Association Images
Young gun

You're kidding: Arsenal move for RVP's 5-year-old son

Shaqeel van Persie, 5, has been offered a training place in the Arsenal youth academy.

ARSENAL LOOK SET to continue their famous youth policy by moving for another young gun — Robin van Persie’s 5-year-old son, Shaqeel.

Van Persie Sr has been in brilliant form for the Gunners this season, scoring 22 times in all competitions, and he revealed yesterday that his young son has already been offered a place in Arsenal’s training academy.

The move for van Persie’s son has been described as another tactic as Arsenal try to persuade the Dutch international to sign a long-term contract with the club. Van Persie’s current deal at the Emirates expires in June 2013, but the striker has already indicated that he is not interested in opening talks until next summer.

Whatever the reason for the unusual move, van Persie insists that Shaqeel won’t be following in his footsteps just yet. The young prodigy, whose skills have already made him a hit on YouTube, has snubbed Arsene Wenger to stay at his local club.

“I honestly have to say that [Shaqueel] has got a lot of talent for football,” Van Persie said in an interview with Dutch magazine Nusport (see The Guardian).

“I recognise a lot of stuff of myself in him. His coach is really great.”

Arsenal has invited him a couple of times to come and play there but he likes it at his club. He’s sensitive for a good atmosphere. Just like me.

But just how good is Van Persie Jr? The boy can play, judging by this clip which surfaced last year.

YouTube Credit: ArsenalHQ

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