Arsenal's Robin van Persie ready to talk about staying on with Gunners

Arsenal captain and talisman Robin van Persie and his representatives are likely to hold talks next month with the club management about possibilities of extending his contract.

Van Persie’s contract ends next year and he has so far refused to publicly discuss his long-term future.

According to The Telegraph, indications are there that he is now prepared to hold provisional talks with the Arsenal hierarchy.

It remains unlikely that any deal will be finalised before the end of the season, and there is clarity over Arsenal’s Champions League status.

Van Persie’s willingness to listen would still be an extremely positive step forward for the club.

It is understood that Arsenal are considering an offer whereby Van Persie would be paid a substantial ‘renewal’ fee in addition to significantly improved terms on a salary that is currently around £80,000 a week.

Van Persie will be aware that other players of comparable world-class quality are on around double that wage, with Arsenal considering a rise that would take him beyond £1,00,000 a week.

Arsenal have around 55 million poundsavailable to invest in the squad and must balance the desire to renew Van Persie’s contract with having funds to spend this summer on new players.