Arsene Wenger did not manage to coax a commitment from Robin van Persie after face-to-face talks on Wednesday, the British media is reporting.
Dutch striker van Persie is heading into the last year of his contract with Arsenal, and the Gunners are anxious to tie their skipper down for the long-term.
The consensus is that Arsenal cannot afford to lose van Persie - who scored 37 goals in all competitions last season- at any price, if they are to mount a trophy challenge next season.
Van Persie wanted reassurances from Wenger that Arsenal will be able to meet his ambitions in the next campaign and thereafter.
Wenger is believed to have suggested that the signing of Lukas Podolski and other transfer targets will make the Gunners contenders again. But it has been reported that van Persie left the meeting unconvinced.
With teams like Juventus, Manchester City and Barcelona all allegedly keen on luring RVP away from the Emirates, Wenger may need to up his game significantly if he is to keep hold of his best player.
A new weekly salary of £130,000 is said to have been offered to van Persie, but that may not be enough to keep the Dutchman in North London.
He can earn as much, if not more, at his reported suitors. And unless Wenger can assure the striker that good times are afoot the Gunners, he could be hotfooting it from the Emirates to seek his fortune elsewhere like Cesc Fabregas. Soccer Laduma
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