Juve make bid for Arsenal captain Van Persie

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie’s agent has held talks about a summer move to Juventus, according to a report. The Mirror reported in an exclusive that the Italian giants are prepared to pay in excess of £25 million for the Dutch international. Van Persie is the hottest property in England after almost single-handedly resurrecting the fortunes of Arsenal with his amazing performance in front of goal this term. Premier League title-chasers Manchester City are also planning to make a raid on Arsenal this summer for the 28-year-old striker who is high on the wish-list of top European clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, both Milan clubs and cash-rch Paris St. Germain. Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici has made overtures to Van Persie's representatives, the report added. Van Persie is favourite to be named the Football Writers' Footballer of the Year to add to the PFA equivalent he won at the weekend, and will be offered a new four-year deal that will shatter Arsenal's wage structure - plus a £5m signing-on fee, according to the report. But the Italians are likely to test the resolve of Wenger who is determined to keep his talismanic captain at any cost. Arsenal will not be under pressure to sell Van Persie like they did to cash in on Samir Nasri who had less than a year on his contract. Even if Van Persie does not sign a new contract, the Gunners are prepared to let him run down his final year. The player has put on hold negotiations till the end of the season but Wenger expects his future to be resolved before the Euros start in June. Indications are that Van Persie would prefer a foreign move if he decided to leave but with Arsenal assured of Champions League football as they battle for a third-place finish, the Gunners are confident the Dutch star would not feature in a transfer saga to rival Cesc Fabregas and Nasri tussles in past years.Lazio playmaker Hernanes dubbed the 'new Kaka' could be the answer to Arsenal's midfield woes. The 27-year-old Brazilian has reportedly issued a come-and-get-me plea to the Gunners, according to talkSPORT. With England star Jack Wilshere missing the entire season and Spaniard Mikel Arteta also being ruled out with an ankle injury, this area is real cause for concern for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.Despite attracting interest from Russian big-spenders Anzi as well as Spurs, La Gazzeto dello Sport claim that the player has told Lazio only to consider offers from Arsenal. This must be heartening news for Wenger who is set to go on a buying spree this summer as they zoom in on third place to be assured of another season of Champions League football. Arsenal are lining up a £20 million offer for Hernanes who has made eight appearances for Brazil since 2008. Hernanes would be an ideal foil for Arsenal captain Robin van Persie since he is ambidextrous, with the ability to dribble and strike the ball from distance with both feet.Arsenal striker Robin van Persie was named the English Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) player of the year on Sunday after scoring 27 league goals to revive his club's season. The Dutch international, 28, tops the Premier League scoring charts and Arsenal's third spot with three matches to go after a poor start to the campaign is in large part down to his stunning contribution. "If other people are saying it, it is special, but it is even more special if your opponents are saying it," the skilful Van Persie told a gala in London. "If they make up their minds that I'm the best player it is a big honour."   Van Persie is the third Dutchman to win the award after Dennis Bergkamp (1997-98) and Ruud van Nistelrooy (2001-02). He was the first Arsenal player to claim it since Thierry Henry in 2004. Far more clinical this season than ever before after becoming the main centre forward, he acknowledged having doubts about the position after previously displaying his flair as a second striker. "To be fair, when I first went there I wasn't really as confident and I wasn't really sure I could do it," added Van Persie, also favourite to win the English Football Writers' player of the year award later this week. "It took a bit of time but after a couple of months I slowly realised I could do a good job there."   He took the players' gong ahead of fellow nominees Wayne Rooney of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur's Scott Parker and Manchester City trio Joe Hart, David Silva and Sergio Aguero.