By Ian Ladyman
Robin van Persie is in danger of pricing himself out of a move from Arsenal with unrealistic wage demands.
The Holland striker’s talks over a new contract ended this week without a conclusion and Van Persie will head to the European Championship next month with his future in doubt.
However, Sportsmail can reveal that Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City are baulking at the astronomical numbers associated with a bid for the 28-year-old.
As well as Arsenal demanding a transfer fee of more than £20million, sources in Spain claim that Van Persie wants to be paid in line with top earners such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who receive weekly wages upwards of £275,000.
With the European market expected to be depressed due to the impact of UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules this summer, Van Persie is at risk of putting his major suitors off.
City remain interested but also have an eye on their wage bill.
It would help them if they could offload top earner Carlos Tevez, but they certainly will be unwilling to stretch to the numbers mentioned this week.
