Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that he has not given up trying to keep captain Robin van Persie at the club.
The Dutch striker has ruled out signing a new contract with the Gunners, leaving Wenger with a choice of cashing in on his prize asset this summer or keeping him for another season and losing him on a free transfer.
Van Persie has courted the interest of some of Europe's top clubs, including rivals Manchester United, who have had a bid rejected for the player, but Wenger remains hopeful that last season's top scorer will stay at the club.
"For me, Van Persie is one of the best strikers in the world, if not the best, and my desire is to keep him at the club." said Wenger.
"As for the rest I will do what is in the best interests of Arsenal Football Club. That, at the moment, is where we are. There is not a lot more to say than that."
The 28-year-old striker, who scored 30 league goals last season, has been left out of Arsenal's preseason squad for the tour to Asia.
Barney Corkhill
