Arsenal Transfers: Manchester City Plot Raid for Robin Van Persie

The Daily Mirror reports that Premier League leaders Manchester City have made Arsenal skipper Robin van Persie their top transfer priority.

The report indicates that the mega-rich citizens will take advantage of van Persie's contract situation and offer a bumper deal, believed to pay up to £200, 000 per week.

Van Persie has a mere 18 months left on his current contract with the club and there has been a lack of public declarations that he intends to agree to fresh terms. This appears to be feeding stories that some of Europe's biggest clubs could be ready to pounce.

Despite Arsene Wenger recently clearing up comments suggesting he may quit, the Daily Mirror report suggests concern about his manager's future intentions, a prime reason why van Persie may seek a move.

Even given the nature of these rumours, news of a possible Manchester City bid for the club's best player will naturally concern many Gunners fans.

City have a prolific recent history of plundering players from Arsenal. Van Persie's significance to Arsenal cannot possibly be overstated.

The Dutchman is a known admirer of Wenger and enjoys the style of football that Arsenal choose to emphasise.

The Gunners won't be able to match the financial muscle of the Eastlands outfit. Wenger's best chance of retaining his talismanic forward is to get back into the top four.

The promise of continued Champions League football, coupled with a real demonstration of the club's capability to capture silverware, could be enough to keep van Persie in North London.