Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is desperate not to lose Robin van Persie to great rivals Manchester United.

The Sun says reports in Italy yesterday claimed that the Gunners had turned down an offer from United for their double Footballer of the Year, who wants out of the Emirates.

The Dutch international has told Gunners boss Arsene Wenger he wants his future sorted out before Saturday, when the squad are due to fly out to Malaysia for the club's summer tour.

Arsenal value their top scorer from last season at £30million - a price way above what United are prepared to pay.

But Wenger is also reluctant to sell his prized asset to the club which have been his main title rivals during his 16 years in charge of the Gunners.