EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal hopeful captain Van Persie will do 'a Rooney' and stay

By Sami Mokbel

Arsenal will head into next week's make-or-break talks with Robin van Persie hopeful the contract rebel is ready to perform a Wayne Rooney-style U-turn.

The Gunners skipper stunned the club earlier this month with a damning statement questioning the club's ambition whilst confirming his intention not to sign a new contract.

Robin van Persie: Will he stay, or will he go?

Van Persie is due to return to pre-season training next week and manager Arsene Wenger will take the opportunity to hold a heart-to-heart with his talisman in hope that he can persuade the 28-year-old to change his mind

And a well-placed Arsenal source has told Sportsmail that the club are still 'very hopeful' of securing the long term future of Van Persie.

Members of the Gunners hierarchy feel Van Persie's controversial statement was merely a ploy by the forward's agent Kees Vos to secure his client a better deal - reminiscent of Rooney's contract stand-off with Manchester United in 2010.

Showdown: Arsene Wenger will hold talks with Van Persie

After talks over a new deal broke down, Rooney released a statement confirming he wanted to leave Old Trafford.
However, just a few days later the England international signed fresh terms after being offered more money by United.

As it stands, Arsenal have offered Van Persie a three year deal worth £130,000-per-week - plus a £5million loyalty bonus.

All change: Wayne Rooney signed new deal just days after announcing he wanted to leave United

If Arsenal fail in their attempts, Wenger will sanction the immediate sale of Van Persie in order to have enough time to reinvest the money from the Holland international's sale.

Whether Arsenal's hopes have some substance remain to be seen, nevertheless the club are still doing all they can to convince their star man to sign a new deal.

Van Persie wants to be sure the club will sign the quality of player that will help propel Wenger's side into genuine challengers for the Premier League and Champions League titles.