Wenger delight as Van Persie pledges his future to Arsenal

Published: 04 Jul 2009 - 19:43:52

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Robin van Persie will sign a new five-year deal with Arsenal in the next few days worth £80,000 a week. The Dutch striker is poised to become the key player in Arsene Wenger's re-building efforts, with William Gallas and Emmanuel Adebayor the most likely to depart. Van Persie has been Wenger's priority signing and returns for pre-season training with the new deal agreed verbally. With teenagers Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Kieran Gibbs all signing long-term deals and Thomas Vermaelen joining from Ajax for £10million, Wenger is close to completing his summer business. Arsenal are keen to discuss a contract extension with Cesc Fabregas - and would consider bids for Adebayor and Gallas if AC Milan and Inter respectively make offers for them. Wenger is still monitoring a striker and a defender in case either player agrees to move.

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