Arsenal will make Van Persie sweat

Arsenal are reportedly prepared to hang on to captain Robin van Persie until the January transfer window after receiving unsatisfactory offers from suitors.

Arsene Wenger this week reiterated his desire to hang on to his captain, but the Dutchman has made it clear he wants to move on this summer after a seventh year without a trophy at Emirates Stadium.

A report in the Daily Star claims the Gunners hierarchy have resolved to wait for bids in the new year if they do not receive an offer close to their £30million valuation of last year’s Premier League Golden Boot winner.

Manchester City, Manchester United and Juventus have reportedly made bids for Van Persie, but they were dismissed out of hand by Arsenal and the reports claims the bid from United may even have been less than £10million.

Wenger’s is currently in Beijing with his squad, preparing for a pre-season friendly with Manchester City, but Van Persie was one of a number of stars who did not travel – the Frenchman claimed it was to work on his fitness.

Arsenal see Van Persie’s angling for a move as the final straw and have vowed to take a tough stance over the fee after losing two of their most influential players, Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas, last season.