Report: RVP set for more Arsenal talks

By ESPNSTAR.com staff

In a decision that was a bombshell to Arsenal and the Emirates Stadium faithful, van Persie announced last week that he would not be extending his stay beyond his current contract. With the deal due to expire in a year, speculation has been mounting as to whether manager Arsene Wenger will cash in on his top scorer whilst he still can.

Although both Manchester City and Juventus lie in wait to snare van Persie's signature, sources in London indicate that the Frenchman has not given hope on keeping his captain. It is believed Wenger has requested for a meeting with van Persie, without his agent Kees Vos, to suss out if the former Feyernoord player has any desire to stay a Gunner beyond his current deal. 

City manager Roberto Mancini has made his admiration of the Dutchman very clear, but the club board is wary of putting out an excessive bid for a 29-year old with a bad injury record. The Manchester team also have bevy of striking options to choose from, making it necessary for Mancini to sell off Emmanuel Adebayor prior to bringing in van Persie. The striker's former Arsenal team-mate Kolo Toure has come out in support of a potential move, and the Dutchman is also believed to have consulted compatriot Nigel De Jong on life as a City player.

Nonetheless, reports in the English media indicate that a move to the Serie A with Juventus seems more likely, as Arsenal are not keen sell the Premier League golden boot winner to a domestic rival. Outsiders in the race for van Persie's signature include Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.