Robin van Persie says arrivederci to Arsenal

Happy Soccer Saturday! Check out today’s headlines from the sport!

English Premier League

After announcing that he will not resign with Arsenal, Robin van Persie’s next destination has been the subject of much speculation. Per a report from FOX Soccer today, Serie A’s Juventus appears to be in the lead for the Dutch forward, though the two Manchester clubs are also in the running:

Both City and United are set to offer him the chance to remain in England, should he leave the Emirates, but Juve are pushing hard with Italian sources claiming their offer would make him one of the highest players in Europe.

Van Persie has made it clear that silverware is the most important thing to him at this point – although all three clubs would be well in contention next season to challenge for every honor.

ESPN’s James Martin weighs in with three thoughts on the latest episode of the Arsenal soap opera, and what Van Persie’s departure means for the Gunners’ future.

Serie A

With the Michael Bradley move to Roma nearly complete, ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle writes that it’s “a risk well worth taking” for Bradley:

The temptation is to think that Bradley will slide seamlessly into the starting XI, but that was the thinking when he moved to Villa. Rather, it amounts to a difficult, but by no means impossible, assignment for the American midfielder. U.S. manager Jurgen Klinsmann has stated more than once the importance of players getting steady time with their clubs. But he’s also challenged them to play at the highest possible level, and this move will certainly do that.

U.S. Women’s National Team

If you missed the U.S. win over Canada in the Olympic sendoff match last weekend, Equalizer Soccer has a gorgeous photo essay from all the action, courtesy of photographer Patti Giobetti.

Major League Soccer

After rattling off a 7-game unbeaten streak, Real Salt Lake has now gone winless in their last four. What’s gone wrong, and what does RSL have to do to get back on track against Portland without Fabián Espíndola? Stop making excuses and just finish, writes MLSSoccer.com’s Michael Black.

Breaking News: F.C. Dallas’s Brek Shea has been officially confirmed to be adorable. Check out this video of the goofy midfielder’s pop-n-lock moves during post-production of an MLS Out of Focus interview. 

Will you be watching tonight’s MLS matches? Comment and let us know who you’re rooting for!