Van Persie ready to pledge future to Arsenal

ROBIN VAN PERSIE is ready to pledge his future to Arsenal if they can match his own trophy-winning ambitions.

The Dutchman confirmed discussions about a new deal are continuing but is adamant his future will not be decided by the amount of money on offer.

Van Persie, who misses tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Macedonia with a groin strain, had reportedly been stalling over a new three-year, £80,000 (e86,000) a week deal – with Barcelona understood to be monitoring his situation.

But with less than 18 months remaining on his current contract, he hinted that Arsenal only need to splash out in the transfer market to convince him his future lies in north London.

“I’m still in negotiations with Arsenal, and it’s going well – in a very positive atmosphere,” said Van Persie.

“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.’’

Meanwhile Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas has conceded he spoke on the phone with former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon.

The 21-year-old, who is contracted to Arsenal until 2014, has been persistently linked with a return home with Real Madrid and Barcelona keen to acquire his services.

However, Fabregas insists he has never assured ex-Real supremo Calderon that he would join them nor did he express any desire to leave The Gunners.

“It's true the president of Real Madrid called me personally - we spoke on the phone,’’ Fabregas said.

“But I never gave him my word that I was going to sign for Real Madrid.’’