Manchester City are ready to pounce for Arsenal captain Robin van Persie.

The Daily Mail says Arsenal may be forced to fend of a host of suitors in January after admitting they won't discuss a new deal with captain Van Persie until near the end of the season.

Manchester City and Inter Milan are keeping tabs on the Holland striker, who has been in blistering form so far this term, scoring 11 goals in the Barclays Premier League alone.

The Gunners want the 28-year-old to commit to a new long-term deal, with his current agreement due to expire in June 2013, but the player does not want to discuss the matter until the summer.