Arsenal haven't given up on persuading Robin van Persie to sign a new contract. The Daily Mail says Van Persie is due to return to pre-season training next week and manager Arsene Wenger will take the opportunity to hold a heart-to-heart with his talisman in hope that he can persuade the 28-year-old to change his mind.

And a well-placed Arsenal source says the club are still "very hopeful" of securing the long term future of Van Persie.

As it stands, Arsenal have offered Van Persie a three year deal worth £130,000-per-week - plus a £5million loyalty bonus.

If Arsenal fail in their attempts, Wenger will sanction the immediate sale of Van Persie in order to have enough time to reinvest the money from the Holland international's sale.