Robin van Persie wants to leave Arsenal

Manchester City are ready to bid £20 million for Robin van Persie after the Arsenal captain issued an extraordinary statement in which he outlined his desire to leave and openly questioned the club's direction under Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal reacted last night by saying that they were "confident" that Van Persie would see out a contract which does not expire until next summer but, privately, are furious that their star player should go public with such a provocative statement.

They were given no prior warning that Van Persie was planning to speak out, with Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis especially seething over the conduct of Kees Vos, the Dutchman's agent.

Arsenal are well aware that Vos was a guest at the Etihad last season of Brian Marwood, the Manchester City director of football administration, and they believe that Van Persie is being badly advised.

The Daily Telegraph revealed in May that Van Persie was not willing to extend his contract and, late yesterday afternoon, he confirmed on his website that he would definitely not sign a new deal.

He then went on to say that, during a meeting with Wenger and Gazidis, it had "become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward". Van Persie's statement is being interpreted as a blatant attempt to force a move this summer and, while Arsenal have received no bids or inquiries, the clear suspicion is that he is now actively trying to generate an auction among Europe's leading clubs.

The desire of Manchester City and Juventus to sign Van Persie is no secret but, according to sources, Manchester United are also now interested. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea will also consider their position.

City want to find buyers for some of their existing strikers, including Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz, before finalising a deal for Van Persie. As with Samir Nasri last summer, United's problem would be to match both the wages and transfer fee that City can offer. They have also not paid a transfer fee for a player over the age of 28 since Dimitar Berbatov four years ago.

Wenger now faces the nightmare of a repeat of last summer's saga when his captain, then Cesc Fabregas, was also desperate to leave. Fabregas was eventually granted his move to Barcelona and Wenger must now weigh up the advantages of a quick sale and no prolonged uncertainty or acrimony against the damage to his team from losing Van Persie.

Only this week, he referred to Arsenal's dependency on Van Persie and said that he wanted to keep the Dutchman at "all costs". One advantage this summer is that Wenger has already recruited two potential replacements in Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud. Both, however, are unproven in the Premier League and are likely to need a season to fully adapt.

Wenger's initial reaction last night was that the club should hold Van Persie to his contract unless there is an extraordinary offer. He also sanctioned a statement from Arsenal that suggested they would still try to persuade him to stay for another season. "We have to respect Robin's decision not to renew his contract," said the club statement.

"Robin has one year to run on his current contract and we are confident that he will fulfil his commitments to the club."

The situation will come to a head in 10 days' time, if not sooner, with Van Persie expected back for pre-season training on July 16 and then due to travel with Arsenal to Malaysia for the start of their summer tour on July 21. Van Persie, though, said that the decision not to extend his contract was based on sporting and not financial considerations.

"As announced earlier this year I had a meeting with the Boss [Wenger] and Mr Gazidis after the season," said Van Persie. "This was a meeting about the club's future strategy and their policy. Financial terms or a contract have not been discussed, since that is not my priority at all.

"I personally have had a great

season but my goal has been to win trophies with the team and to bring the club back to its glory days.

"Out of my huge respect for Mr Wenger, the players and the fans I don't want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward. As soon as Mr Gazidis is back from his two-week holiday in America further meetings will follow."

Arsenal last night denied, however, that Gazidis was on a two-week holiday.

Gunners who have cashed in with moves to City

Arsene Wenger warned last April Arsenal must stop acting as a feeder club to Manchester City, who have made a habit of recruiting former Gunners in recent seasons:

Emmanuel Adebayor
Joined July 2009
Signed for £25 million. Scored against Arsenal in one of his first games for City and enraged Arsenal fans by running the length of the pitch to celebrate. They had even more reason to loathe him when he went to Spurs on loan.

Kolo Toure
July 2009
City paid £16 million for the former Arsenal captain, who left the Emirates after a reported bust-up with William Gallas. Used mainly as squad player by Roberto Mancini.

Gael Clichy
July 2011
Although he had won the league with Arsenal, left-back Clichy agreed to a £7 million move because he believed City offered a greater chance of silverware. Won second league title last season.

Samir Nasri
August 2011
Despite Wenger's best efforts to hang on to the French winger whom he called "technically outstanding", Nasri moved to the Etihad for £25 million, although Arsenal fans accused him of moving only for a bigger pay packet.

Patrick Vieira
January 2010
Won three league titles with Arsenal and played for Juventus and Inter Milan before joining City. Is now a key figure in the club's youth development set-up.

Sylvinho
August 2009
Played for Celta Vigo and Barcelona after leaving Arsenal but at City he made just 10 appearances.