VAN PERSIE “EXCITED” TO PLAY FOR REAL MADRID

By Staff Writer
Updated: 10 February, 2012

Arsenal forward Robin van Persie has said he is “excited” at the idea of playing for Real Madrid but also says he believes the Gunners would not be willing to sell him to the Spanish giants.

Speaking after an Arsenal training session yesterday, the Dutch international has been quoted by MARCA as saying: “It is an honour to be linked with such an important club as Real Madrid and of course I would be excited at the prospect of playing there.”

Arsene Wenger is adamant he will not be willing to let van Persie leave the Emirates Stadium and the striker continued: “I would like to know how interested Madrid are but I don’t think Arsenal would be ready to negotiate a deal.”

Speculation has been mounting over the 28-year-old’s future in London, with Barcelona reportedly chasing his services.

However, it now appears Real Madrid could be favourites to capture the player as Barca have said they are unwilling to spend more than £35 million on a player Arsenal insist is worth a minimum of £40 million.

Despite Arsene Wenger’s determination to keep Van Persie at the Emirates, many Arsenal fans believe the player will be on the way out of the club he joined in 2004 from Feyenoord.

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