"Arsenal have offered Van Persie a new three-year deal worth £130,000 per week [$10.4 million per year] — plus a £5 million [$7.7 million] signing-on bonus," the report says.
"The Dutchman is stalling on the deal, and Sportsmail understands one of the reasons is the club's unwillingness to offer him a fourth year. Arsenal sources have indicated the existing deal on the table will not be improved."
Van Persie's contract saga is one of the summer transfer market's most closely watched affairs. The Arsenal captain will be a free agent at the end of next season, and the Gunners are trying to sign him to an extension. It was thought that he wanted a salary comparable to other superstars of Europe, but it seems like he will accept reduced wages in exchange for a multi-year commitment from the club.
If the Dutch ace refuses to extend his stay in North London, there will be no shortage of teams interested in his services. AC Milan, Juventus and Manchester City are reportedly willing to pay the £25 million ($38.5 million) Arsenal would want for its star player.
Van persie is coming off a dream season, in which he scored 37 goals (in all competitions) and captured both major player of the season awards. Arsenal had hopes of signing him to a new deal before the summer months, but those will not be met. The 28-year-old is set to lead the Netherlands at the European Championships, and he will make a decision about his future in July or August.
"I have agreed with Arsenal that I will not discuss my future," the Mail reports van Persie told Tuttosport. "All I can say is that it is my intention to have a great Euro 2012 and win it. And then go on to win the Champions League.
"'I've never felt so strong and I just want to continue winning. At this point in time all I want to do is focus on the European Championship. There will then be time to address other matters."
Arsenal will begin preseason training in early July, but it remains to be seen if Van Persie join the group as a player entering a contract year or as one with a long-term contract.
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