Hill-Wood sounds striker warning

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has dropped a strong hint that star striker Robin van Persie could be for sale if the price is right.

The Dutch international, who left his shooting boots at home in Holland's opening Euro 2012 group defeat to Denmark, has just enjoyed his best ever season at the Emirates after firing 30 goals for the Gunners in the Premier League. His impressive scoring tally helped him secure the PFA and FWA Player of the Year awards, but on the downside has prompted interest from the champions Manchester City, Italian giants Juventus and wealthy Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is desperate to hang onto the man he made captain following Cesc Fabregas' move to Barcelona, but with only one year remaining on his contract, the club may find themselves forced to cash in. Van Persie has put all talk of a new deal on hold until after this summer's European Championship campaign, sparking fears he may be looking for a new challenge and a bigger salary. "He is vital to us and has been an extremely good captain," Hill-Wood told The Sun. "But if somebody comes along and offers Robin £250,000 a week then I am afraid we cannot compete with that. "With players, you never know what they are going to do. "Some players say they want silverware but when they have the chance to earn ­extraordinary money that has been pumped into the game, then you just have to hope they will stay ­because they are happy and loyal where they are." The 29-year-old joined the Gunners for just £2.5m back in 2004 and he has been a tremendous servant for the club ever since, having taken over the mantle of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. However, despite Hill-Wood's desire to keep van Persie, he is adamant they won't break the bank to do it. "There are players like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes at Manchester United who have been loyal to one club but players like that are few and far between," he added. "Hopefully we can reach ­agreement with Robin and ideally he will extend his contract. "We have already brought in one new player in Lukas ­Podolski and I believe we will bring in more. I am confident we will, in fact. "I just hope that Robin will be with us next season because I genuinely feel we can make a real challenge for the ­Premier League title."