Arsenal make offer for Feyenoord’s Van Persie

‘‘Arsenal have made a serious opening offer and our President, Jorien van den Herik, has already responded,” Swart said. “This offer can be considered a serious base for further negotiations.”

Van Persie’s contract with the Rotterdam-based team ends next year and despite several attempts by the club he has failed to agree an extension.

“Robin has informed Feyenoord that he will not extend his contract,” said Van Persie’s advisor and spokesman, Erwin Boonacker. “For Robin it is a dream to continue his career abroad with a top team.”

“In December, Robin was visited by an Arsenal representative and we informed Feyenoord about the interest from London.”

“At the moment we are not negotiating but when Feyenoord and Arsenal reach an agreement, we will start negotiations with Arsenal.”

Former Dutch international Ruud Gullit, who takes over as Feyenoord coach at the end of the season, said he would like Van Persie to stay.

“If he is doubtful about his future he knows he can come to me and I will advise him to stay at Feyenoord,” Gullit told the club’s official newspaper.

“It’s not only for our interest but for his interest because I know how it works at a club like Arsenal and you can imagine that Robin will hardly play there in his first few years.

“I don’t imagine that a player like (Arsenal’s French international) Robert Pires will be posted on the bench in favour of Robin. If Robin wants to stay at Feyenoord he is welcome but I only want to work with players who want to play for the club.” (Reuters)