Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie has been contacted by Serie A's Juventus, according to Friday's report by Goal.com.
Van Persie, 28, has contract with the Gunners until the summer of 2013 but has been delaying the renewal. AC Milan and Barcelona have been reportedly eyeing the Dutch soccer player. The new transfer rumor says Juventus will join other top European clubs to compete for Van Persie.
"The Old Lady are eager to add some fresh blood to their attack ahead of the 2012-13 campaign," reported Goal.com.
"... the 28-year-old Van Persie appears to be the Turin giants' main priority at present as they feel the Netherlands international could help them close the gap to Europe's elite clubs."
As a former member of Feyenoord, Van Persie joined Arsenal in 2004 and became the club caption last year, following the departure Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona. In 2010-11 season, Van Persie scored 18 goals in the league, just two goals behind the top scorers Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov. This season at the league, he is the leading goal-scorer with 27 goals, three goals ahead of the second place Wayne Rooney of Manchester United.
The Gunners are eager to keep Van Persie at all costs. Ivan Gazidis, the CEO of Arsenal, has reportedly said that the club will not sell Van Persie even if he does not renew his contract. Arsenal had to let go their top players, such as Samir Nasri (to Manchester City) and Cesc Fabregas (to FC Barcelona), last year.
However, it has been believed that Van Persie may choose to stay only if Arsenal qualifies for next season's Champions League and the squad improves after the summer transfer period.
Arsenal is currently placed third in the league with 64 points. Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, both having played one less game, are following Arsenal closely with 59 points. Top three teams in the English Premier League qualify to the group stage of the Champions League and the fourth team enters the play-off round.
Juventus is currently leading the Serie A, one point ahead of AC Milan.