Arsene Wenger is so confident Arsenal talisman Robin Van Persie will stay with the Gunners that he is willing to put his money where his mouth is, telling an Italian journalist he would buy him an ice cream if the Dutch striker left the club.
Van Persie has been heavily linked with a move to Italian champions Juventus, with several reports claiming the Turin side were ready to make a £25 million ($39 million) bid for the striker.
However, asked about a possible move to Juve, Wenger shot it down completely. "He will stay at Arsenal," the Arsenal manager said.
"There is no reason why a top player, a big champion would want a move to Serie A -- in terms of the prestige of the league, the level of play or financial considerations.
"If he moves there, I will buy you a caramello (ice cream)."
Meanwhile, Van Persie's other suitors - Manchester City - have put a £15 million ($23.5 million) limit on the striker, according to Goal.com.
City are not willing to bid over 15 million for the 29-year-old, while it is understood Arsenal will not even consider selling Van Persie for anything less than £25 million.
City are still willing to give the striker, who netted 37 goals in all competitions last season, £200,000 a week wages ($315,000), but will take their interest to other strikers if Arsenal do not budge from their demand.
"The numbers do not add up for City. They are not willing to pay more than £15m on top of marquee wages," a source told Goal.com.
It is understood, City are worried about the financial fair play rule coming into effect and are unwilling to go overboard for players. Roberto Mancini might now turn his attentions towards Edinson Cavani of Napoli. Although the Uruguayan will cost considerably more than Van Persie, at 25 years, Cavani is seen as a much better investment.
