Arsenal Transfer News: Van Persie Chooses Juventus Over Manchester

Dutchman tells Arsene Wenger he wants a move to Italy.

By Simon Gallagher /

Independent.ie, want-away Dutch striker Robin Van Persie has told Arsenal that Juventus are his destination of choice, of the three clubs - both Manchester clubs and the Italian champions - who are said to be pursuing him with the most intent. Van Persie is apparently still open to the possibility of joining either United or City, with the Reds said to be preferred of the two, but the player would apparently prefer not to play for a league rival of Arsenal, and would choose Juventus if their offer was accepted by the Arsenal board. The saga which has rumbled on all summer with new clubs linked to the Dutch international striker every day, is expected to reach its final stages in the next week with both the player and his current club looking to put the situation behind them. Arsene Wenger is said to prefer that Van Persie doesn't move to Man City, but there are some concerns over whether the Italian champions can generate the kind of deal that Arsenal would find acceptable, with the current price set at around £25m. Added to that is the player's own demands, which will see him request a five-year contract of above £120,000 a week, and Juventus might struggle to bring the player in, even though Van Persie has openly stated that money is not his major motivation. If it were he could join Roberto Mancini's Man City tomorrow, for whom money is no object. What do you think Arsenal fans? Would you prefer to see Van Persie head to Juventus, rather than lining up against your club next season in the league? Share your thoughts below.

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