By Sami Mokbell
Robin van Persie has told Arsenal he is not ready to sign a new contract.
Talks between Van Persie and the club on Wednesday ended in deadlock despite Arsenal offering their captain a three-year deal worth £130,000 a week with a £5million signing-on fee.
Sportsmail understands both Manchester City and Juventus have been made aware that Van Persie, 28, will not rush to sign a new deal.
It is thought Juventus could only match Arsenal’s contract offer, instead relying on the club’s European history and Serie A success as their main selling point.
That leaves City in pole position given they are ready to offer Van Persie around £220,000 a week in addition to the prospect of challenging for major honours.
Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United are also interested.
The Holland star has told close friends he and his wife, Bouchra, are settled in London and sources close to the player say only an ‘extraordinary’ offer would see him leave the Emirates.
Arsenal are adamant Van Persie will still be their player next season given he has 12 months to run on his existing deal.
But the fact he could leave for free when his contract expires means they face a huge fight to keep their talismanic striker.
