Sir
Alex Ferguson has held private discussions with Arsene Wenger over Manchester
United's attempts to complete a dramatic swoop for Robin van Persie. And Sportsmail understands Arsenal are
expecting an improved offer following personal contact between the two managers
which took place recently.
Sources
say that a deal to take the Arsenal captain, who got 30 goals to win the golden
boot last season, to Old Trafford could be completed by the time the season
kicks off this weekend. It is understood the Arsenal manager repeated his
insistence to Ferguson the 29-year-old would not be allowed to leave for United
for a penny under £30million - but the Gunners will listen to offers starting
at £20million with add ons. Ferguson's personal intervention into the proposed
deal to sign Van Persie underlines the club's determination to land the Holland
international.
However,
the Old Trafford club would not be willing to meet Arsenal's inflated asking
price, placing serious doubt over the protracted move. The Gunners are willing
to listen to offers starting at £20million, but Wenger is desperate not to sell
his talisman to a Premier League rival - hence the sky-high price quote. United were quoted £30million during initial talks
between the two Premier League heavyweights earlier in the summer and it seems
Arsenal's stance has not changed despite Ferguson's private chat with Wenger.
A shock move to Old Trafford now seems the only
viable option for Van Persie in his attempts to leave the Emirates Stadium this
summer after Manchester City and Juventus both stalled on their interest. And it seems Wenger is facing a fight to keep
hold of another one of his stars after Alex Song said Barcelona are interested
in signing him. The Spanish giants are huge admirers of the Cameroon
midfielder, identifying him as a potential target.
Sources
in Spain have indicated that Barca will attempt to open talks with the Gunners
this week. And when asked about interest from Barcelona, Song said yesterday:
'I am not going to lie if I said there is no interest, but I am at Arsenal and
I am happy at Arsenal. 'Barcelona are the best team in the world, and
speculation will always continue until the window closes.'
The
La Liga club's interest in Song is another unwanted headache for Wenger in the
build up to new season - though the club are growing increasingly confident of
signing Theo Walcott to a new contract.
Meanwhile,
the ankle injury that has ruled Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out of England's clash
against Italy is not understood to be serious. The midfielder withdrew from Roy
Hodgson's squad yesterday, but his removal is precautionary. Gunners winger Ryo
Miyaichi has joined Wigan on a season-long loan.
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