Dutch star has not even allowed the Gunners to make him an offer because it is trophies and not money he is interested in.
By Matt Law
And that has left terrified Arsenal officials convinced Dutchman Van Persie will spell out his desire to leave when he returns from the European Championships.
Premier League champions Manchester City are poised with a £20million offer for Van Persie, who has just one year left on his Arsenal contract to run.
The Gunners are willing to make captain Van Persie the highest paid player in their history by handing him a £130,000-a-week contract, plus a £5m-a-year signing on fee.
But Sunday Mirror Sport can reveal Van Persie has not even allowed the Gunners to make him an offer because it is trophies and not money he is interested in.
Arsenal have signed striker Lukas Podolski from Cologne and have also made an enquiry about Montpellier’s Olivier Giroud, but it will take far greater investment into the squad to ensure Van Persie stays.
City could pay Van Persie in excess of £200,000 a week, but the 28-year-old will judge all offers on what he could win.
An Emirates source said: “Arsenal know it’s not about money. Even if they offered Van Persie what City can pay it would make no difference if he doesn’t believe the club can challenge for trophies.”
If Van Persie does make it crystal clear he wants to leave, then Arsenal must decide whether to carry out their threat of holding him to the final year of his contract and risk losing him for free in 12 months.
Agent of Van Persie, Kees Vos, has been spotted at City but has stressed he has never discussed his client with Etihad officials.
