Arsenal Transfer News: Robin Van Persie To Barcelona For £24 Million?

Caught Offside. A bid of around £24 million (‚30m) is expected in an attempt The Gunners into selling their PFA Player of the Year who only has one-year left to run on his contract at the Emirates. The Dutch international has been away with Holland at the Euro 2012 tournament and once he returns to training, will need to decide on his future and whether he extends his contract or asks for a move away. New Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova is excited by the prospect of Van Persie leading Barcelona's front-line alongside Lionel Messi, whom he believes the Catalan giants rely on too much for goals. Vilanova is concerned by Spanish international David Villa's frequent injury concerns in his two years with the club and Chilean striker Alexis Sanchez having only a decent but not great first season at the club, Vilanova believes he needs a new superstar up front. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is desperate to keep Van Persie, the last of his star players in the era that has seen Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and others leave in the past few seasons. The 28-year-old skipper is the heart of Arsenal and Wenger is ready to make him an astronomical wage offer to stay at the Emirates but Barca believe Van Persie's mind is made up for a move away and could offer long term Arsenal targets Ibrahim Afellay and Thiago Alcantara as possible player exchanges, as well as a large fee.