Robin Van Persie is not concerned about money, but wants to win trophies.
The Dutch master, who has just a year remaining on his contract, has told Arsenal he will leave if they can't convince him Arsenal can win silverware.
Van Persie was reportedly offered over $200,000 per week, which would have made him the highest ever paid Arsenal player. However, Van Persie has told the management his main concern is the capability of the side to challenge for titles. According to the Sunday Mirror, the 28-year old has not even allowed Arsenal to make him an offer.
"Arsenal know it's not about the money. Even if they offered Van Persie what City can pay it would make no difference if he doesn't believe the club can challenge for trophies," a source at Arsenal told the Daily Mirror.
However, Arsene Wenger said he is confident Van Persie would stay. Speaking to FoxSoccer, the Arsenal manager said: "I am confident you will see Robin Van Persie in the Premier League and I am very confident you will see him in red and white."
Arsenal have reportedly ramped up their interest for American international Clint Dempsey. The Fulham striker, who had a stellar campaign last season, has hinted his preference to move to a side playing in the Champions League and Arsenal look like the favourites. The Gunners have also been linked to Real Madrid 'B' team striker Joselu.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are being attached with a plethora of defensive midfielders with Blackburn's Steven N'Zonzi, Wigan's Mohamed Diame and Anzhi Makhachkala's Odil Ahmedov, the latest rumoured to be coming to the Emirates.
According to the Mirror, Arsenal are ready to bid for Frenchman N'Zonzi, who is looking for a new club after Blackburn's relegation.
Uzbekistan's Ahmedov, who was linked with Arsenal last summer, was quoted in the Daily Mail as saying: "I would like, if I had the choice, to play for Arsenal."
Diame, who is out of contract at Wigan, has been monitored by Arsenal for a while and the Senegal international is reportedly holding talks with several English clubs as well as Spanish clubs.
A player who seems to be heading towards Arsenal exit door is Nicklas Bendtner. The Danish international striker went on loan to Sunderland last season and has been deemed surplus to requirements by Wenger. The striker said he had several offers but will decide only after the European Championships.
"Yes I have talked to other clubs. I have told all the clubs that I want to wait until after Euro 2012. We have got plenty of time to sort out the future."
Bendtner has been heavily linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund.
Johan Djourou could also leave with Switzerland coach Otmar Hitzfeld urging the Arsenal defender to leave the Emirates in order to increase his chances of playing for his country. "For Djourou, the question arises of a transfer," Hitzfeld told RTS Sport. If he wants to be selected, he must have some game time in the club. This is not the case at Arsenal."
Another reported Arsenal target Gylfi Sigurdsson, signed with Swansea on Monday. The Welsh club have reportedly agreed to an $11 million dollar fee with Hoffenheim for the Icelandic striker.
