Van Persie needs assurances

Gunners striker refusing to sign new deal until ambition is matched

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 31st March 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Van Persie needs assurances

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Robin van Persie is prepared to commit his future to Arsenal, providing the club can match his ambition.

The Dutchman has been in discussions regarding an extension to his current deal for some time, but is yet to put pen to paper.

He has just 18 months left to run on his contract at Emirates Stadium, a situation which is reported to have alerted the attention of Spanish giants Barcelona.

Van Persie insists his refusal to resolve the ongoing issue regarding his future is not a matter of money, claiming he would happily sign if the Gunners can persuade him that they are capable of challenging for major honours on a consistent basis.

"I'm still in negotiations with Arsenal, and it's going well - in a very positive atmosphere," he told Champions magazine.

"There are further meetings planned.

"Financially Arsenal's last offer is fine, but that isn't everything for me. It's about my ambitions and how they can be fulfilled.

"The club and I want the same, and it's our intention to achieve that. We have all the other factors in place - fantastic stadium, dedicated support and money in the bank.

"Now it's about making that final push. In the last four years, I've only won one prize, the FA Cup - and that is too little. I want to push through to achieve more.

"That is something I feel in my mind and my body. It's difficult to explain, but I certainly feel I can play an important role in taking Arsenal to a higher level."

Wild

Van Persie also insists that his reputation as a bad-boy is unmerited, as he believes he has matured since arriving in north London from Feyenoord in 2004.

He added: "I believe the wild days are behind you when you reach 25.

"From this age on, you should be reaping the rewards of what you've learned. After seven years in professional football, I now have what I need to go further.

"I've heard and seen enough - it's as if I've crossed a barrier. I see players between 25 and 30 having their best years.

"In a certain sense, it feels like a voyage of discovery - and I feel I'm where I want to be as a footballer. This also applies to physical development. Now, I can play out matches a lot easier."

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