Robin Van Persie would rather move to Manchester United than rivals Manchester City, but despite his desire to leave Arsenal, the Gunners are prepared to keep him and risk losing him for nothing following the upcoming season, according to Goal.com.

Van Persie delivered a bombshell with the statement via his own website on July 4, in which he stated he wanted to leave because he disagreed with manager Arsene Wenge. He also announced that he would not extend his contract before it expires next season.

However, the Gunners have calculated that the reigning PFA Player of the Year will have less chance of being awarded a lucrative, four-year contract next summer from one of his suitors because of his age and checkered injury history, and are even hopeful that he will sign a new Arsenal deal.

"We are going to keep him and hold him to his current contract," a senior source told Goal.com. "When he is 30 it will be easier to re-sign him and in the last year we hope he will change his mind about wanting to leave."

If the Gunners were to transfer van Persie, there is no question that they would receive a large sum of money that could possibly help toward bringing in other stars this season and next. At the same time, though, Van Persie scored 36 goals for Arsenal last season, so allowing him to leave would damage their chances of winning an EPL title this year.

Though there remains a risk of having a disgruntle player on their hands, the club is confident that Van Persie will remain committed to their cause.

Van Persie is expected to participate in a three-match preseason tour of Asia  with the club, which takes place in Beijing and Hong Kong.

Arsenal plays rival Manchester City at Beijing's Bird's Nest stadium on Friday of next week.