Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Van Persie reveals contract hopes

Arsenal's Robin van Persie
Van Persie has played a key role in Arsenal's season with 16 goals

Robin van Persie is prepared to sign a new three-year deal with Arsenal - if they match his trophy ambitions.

The Dutchman is in talks to extend his contract, which has 18 months to run.

A deal worth a reported £80,000 a week is on the table but the striker insists money is not an issue.

"Financially Arsenal's last offer is fine, but that isn't everything for me. It's about my ambitions and how they can be fulfilled," he told Uefa's Champions Magazine.

"In the last four years I've only won one prize, the FA Cup, and that is too little. I want to push through to achieve more," he said.

Van Persie, who came on as a late substitute in that 2005 FA Cup win over Manchester United, has reportedly been stalling over a new deal.

"In the last four years I've only won one prize, the FA Cup, and that is too little. I want to push through to achieve more."

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie

Barcelona are said to be monitoring the situation, but the forward has hinted that Arsenal need only to splash out in the transfer market to convince him his future lies in north London.

He said: "I'm still in negotiations with Arsenal, and it's going well - in a very positive atmosphere. There are further meetings planned.

"The club and I want the same, and it's our intention to achieve that.

"We have all the other factors in place - fantastic stadium, dedicated support and money in the bank.

"Now it's about making that final push. I certainly feel I can play an important role in taking Arsenal to a higher level."

The 25-year-old joined the Gunners from Feyenoord in 2004 and despite being dogged by injuries in the last three seasons, he has gone on to make 170 appearances, scoring 59 goals in the process.

A tally of 16 goals in all competitions this season has made the forward an indispensible member of manager Arsene Wenger's young squad.

Arsenal are currently fourth in the Premier League and are still in the chase in two cup competitions, with an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea and Champions League quarter-finals against Villarreal to come.

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Van Persie's role in those crucial games in April will depend on how the striker responds to an injury picked up on international duty last weekend.

The forward suffered a groin strain in the Netherlands' World Cup qualifier victory over Scotland on Saturday.

Van Persie scored in that match but was forced to miss Wednesday's game against Macedonia and has returned to north London for treatment.

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