Arsenal Boost As Van Persie Moves One-Step Closer To Emirates Stay

Robin van Persie has moved one-step closer to remaining at Arsenal with the news that Manchester City are only willing to pay £20m for him, according to the Daily Express.

Van Persie collected the FWA Player of the Year Award on Thursday night to add to the PFA Award he won last month, and has been in stunning form this season having scored 35 goals in all competitions for the Gunners.

The Dutchman will enter the final year of his current contract this summer and has delayed extension negotiations until the end of the season, prompting speculation over his future.

The Express claim that Spanish champions Real Madrid and Manchester City are among the teams monitoring his situation, but report that City value the Arsenal hitman at just £20m due to the fact he will only have 1 year left on his contract and will turn 29 by the time the new season begins.

That figure would be instantly rejected by Arsenal, with a fee in excess of £30m required for the Gunners to even consider cashing in. Arsenal remain hopeful of persuading van Persie to sign a new contract, especially if they can secure automatic Champions League qualification, and will offer him £120,000-a-week as well as a £5m loyalty bonus to stay.

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However, Arsene Wenger has indicated that should RVP reject a new deal, the club would be under no pressure to sell and the striker may be forced to run down the final year of his contract, something the player would be happy to do, according to the Express.

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