Robin van Persie could be set for a dream reunion with Arsenal in the Champions League in March, as the former Gunners forward closes in on becoming the new Feyenoord head coach.
Van Persie, 41, who is currently in charge of fellow Eredivisie side Heerenveen, is expected to reach an agreement to replace Brian Priske as Feyenoord’s next permanent boss on Thursday, as per The Athletic. Van Persie is set to name Rene Hake – who worked on Erik ten Hag’s staff at Manchester United – as his assistant.
The ex-Netherlands international has impressed in his first senior managerial job. He was appointed at Heerenveen on a two-year contract last May and has won nine and drawn six of his first 26 matches in charge to date. They are ninth in the Dutch top-flight and that has attracted attention from Feyenoord and others.
Feyenoord have been searching for Priske’s full-time successor since he was sacked on February 10 and replaced on an interim basis by Pascal Bosschaart. Despite that change in the dugout, the Dutch outfit managed to beat AC Milan in the Champions League play-off and book their place in the round of 16.
Following a 1-0 win in the first leg in Rotterdam, Feyenoord produced a battling performance to draw 1-1 at San Siro on Tuesday and book their place in the last 16. As a reward for that, De Kuip will face either Arsenal or Inter Milan in the next round of Europe’s premier club competition.
This means that Van Persie might be set for a stunning return to the Emirates Stadium in the Champions League next month – with the draw for the round of 16 taking place on Friday.
Many Arsenal fans – who still have a sour taste in their mouth due to Van Persie’s decision to leave for United in summer 2012 – could now be relishing the chance to go up against their former talisman.
As well as Feyenoord, the Gunners have PSV as a possible last 16 opponent following their 4-3 two-legged win over Juventus. The draw for the round of 16 is set to be held on Friday at 11am UK time in Switzerland.
The first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 will take place on either Tuesday, March 4 or Wednesday, March 5, with the second leg a week later on Tuesday, March 11 or Wednesday, March 12.
