Robin Van Persie keeping Arsenal waiting over new contract - Wenger

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has tried to play down fears over Robin Van Persie’s contract situation, but hinted the Dutchman is stalling over signing a new deal.

No rush: Van Persie is pondering a new Arsenal contract

The Gunners skipper only has two years remaining on his current contract, and will be available at a cut price in July should no new agreement be reached.

Wenger has already lost Samir Nasri to Manchester City in similar circumstances, and knows the importance of tying Van Persie to a new deal as soon as possible, but the Frenchman acknowledged that that point may still be some way off.

‘On our side we are quite clear. We are clear with our intention [to keep him] but after that you have to respect [Van Persie],’ noted Wenger.

However, the Gunners tactician is prepared to remain calm in the negotiations, and insists there’s no need to panic just yet over the future of his talisman.

‘He has nearly two years to go so let's not make an immediate issue of something like that,’ he added.

‘Two years in football is a very, very long time.’

It's believed Van Persie is waiting to see how Wenger's 'new look' side get on until January, and will make a decision in the
New Year based on the ambition Arsenal are willing to show in the transfer market.