Robin Van Persie: Where Will Arsenal's Top Man Land Next Season?

Just as with Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri before him, Robin van Persie's future is becoming the thing of Arsenal nightmares. The forward has not signed a contract extension with the London team, and that has big clubs from all over Europe sniffing at the door.

Van Persie is under contract until 2013. But barring an extension agreement, this summer will be the last transfer window when Arsenal could conceivably cash in big on their star striker.

Arsene Wenger says RVP isn't going anywhere and that Arsenal won't be pressured into selling. Of course, Wenger said the same about Fabregas and Nasri.

In the last two months, transfer rumors have popped up linking the Dutchman to Real Madrid, Juventus, Manchester City, Barcelona and AC Milan.

Here we rank the rumors on which European team Robin van Persie will suit up for next season.

No. 6: FC Barcelona

Barcelona were linked with Robin van Persie back at the beginning of February.

However, new reports indicate the Catalan giants might be parsimonious in their summer spending. That would preclude any real competitiveness should a bidding war break out over the Arsenal man.

RVP might also be cautious about such a move. Barcelona's playing style demands a certain type of attacker, and as Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have proven, past results are no guarantee of future success when forwards make the switch to the Nou Camp.

Odds:  50:1

No. 5: Juventus

There's no doubt that Antonio Conte's team could use a dominant striker like Robin van Persie. This season, Juventus have scored goals by committee rather than through a transcendent forward talent. The Arsenal man would come in as the undisputed first option from day one.

Reports indicate the Italians have squirreled away $48 million to finance a summer buying spree. But ownership is apparently still deciding whether they should pursue RVP or Liverpool's Luis Suarez.

Odds: 20:1

No. 4: AC Milan

Nothing could possibly hurt worse than Arsenal's exit from the Champions League at the hands of AC Milan. Unless, of course, the Italians circle back and make off with Arsene Wenger's star in the summer.

Robin van Persie's agent said they would be happy to talk about the possibility of a transfer. And in the meantime, Milan players Thiago Silva, Mark van Bommel and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have all publicly plumped for RVP to make the switch.

Ibrahimovic was most direct when he told The Sun:

"

Football is all about winning. If you don't win you want to go. I don't know Robin personally but I remember him from Holland and what a talent he was - now he is complete. I don't know what he is thinking but I know what I would do.

"

Ironically, it is Ibrahimovic's presence which might make Van Persie think twice before accepting a move to Massimiliano Allegri's side. With other destinations offering an easier path to the lead striking role, would RVP be happy to compete with the crowded forward ranks at Milan?

Odds: 15:1

No. 3: Real Madrid

The newest transfer theory floating around the English press is that since Real Madrid look to be trailing in the race to sign Neymar, they are now turning their attentions to Robin van Persie.

The Express is reporting that Madrid are prepping a $40 million bid for the player.

Real Madrid's interest makes sense, as coaches and fans alike will have lost count of the chances wasted by Karim Benzema this season.

Of course, RVP was forced to rebut a Spanish media report on February that quoted him saying he welcomed Real Madrid's interest.

The striker took to Twitter to quell the rumor. From @persie_official:

"

Contrary to reports in Spain I have NEVER spoken to Marca newspaper and never gave any interview. Enjoy your day

"

Although, you will note that he didn't actually say he wouldn't be interested. Curious...?

Odds: 4:1

No. 2: Arsenal

Arsene Wenger says he will not sell Robin van Persie. If he hadn't been so adamant on the same issue with every other top Arsenal player who has left in the past couple years, you might be tempted to believe him.

Van Persie is putting his contract talks on hold until the summer. He seems to be waiting on the answer to two questions:

1) Will Arsenal play Champions League football next year?

2) Will Arsenal bring in top-quality players during the transfer window this summer?

With the answer to the first question looking pretty good at the moment, RVP's future in London will come down to how quickly and decisively Arsenal act to add proven talent to their roster.

Lukas Podolski would be a good start. Eden Hazard would be an even better one. But without quick additions this summer, RVP will look elsewhere and Arsenal will eventually take the money like they always do.

Odds: 2:1

No. 1: Manchester City

Here's the situation for Roberto Mancini: Mario Balotelli might be the devil, Edin Dzeko isn't going to win you a championship and Carlos Tevez...jeez, Carlos Tevez.

That leaves Sergio Aguero and who? Since Arsenal has supplied a large chunk of his current squad, Mancini's eye is naturally perusing the Gunners' roster for the answer.

Robin Van Persie has said it would be difficult for him to play for another English club, but reports of an offer that includes a wage packet of more than $330,000 per week could make it a lot less troublesome.

The one thing RVP has made clear is he wants to compete for all the trophies. City would give him the opportunity to do just that. And he would never have to worry about being surrounded by top players. After all, who believes that Van Persie is Mancini's only target heading into the summer?

Odds: Even money