Manchester City are reportedly ready to offer Robin van Persie a £220,000-a-week deal after the striker confirmed he will not extend his contract with Arsenal beyond next summer.
Van Persie, who has twelve months left on his existing contract at Arsenal, on Wednesday alerted City and a number of other clubs on alert by confirming he will not sign a new deal at Emirates Stadium.
City are, along with Italian champions Juventus, seen as frontrunners to win the race to sign the Arsenal captain should he now leave the Emirates this summer.
The likes of Manchester United, Barcelona, PSG, Real Madrid, and Italian giants AC Milan, have also shown interest in the forward in recent weeks.
Arsenal have insisted that Van Persie will not be sold, but they now have a decision to make as they are aware refusing to sell him this summer means they will lose him for nothing at the end of the 2012-13 campaign.
And according to the Daily Mirror, City are ready to make their move for the Netherlands international.
The likes of Edin Dzeko, Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz will be offloaded to make room for Van Persie in Roberto Mancini's squad.
The Dutchman on Wednesday had issued a statement via his official website which read: "I have kept quiet all this time out of respect and loyalty for the club and as agreed with Mr. Gazidis and Mr. Wenger, but since there is so much speculation in the media, I think it is fair for you guys to know what’s really going on at the moment.
"As announced earlier this year I had a meeting with the Boss and Mr. Gazidis after the season. This was a meeting about the club’s future strategy and their policy. Financial terms or a contract have not been discussed, since that is not my priority at all.
"I personally have had a great season but my goal has been to win trophies with the team and to bring the club back to its glory days. Out of my huge respect for Mr. Wenger, the players and the fans I don’t want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward.
"I’ve thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract. You guys, the fans, have of course the right to disagree with my view and decision and I will always respect your opinions.
"I love the club and the fans, no matter what happens. I have grown up and became a man during my time with Arsenal FC. Everybody at the club and the fans have always supported me over the years and I have always given my all (and more) on and off the pitch.
"I am very proud of being part of this fantastic club for the last 8 years. As soon as Mr. Gazidis is back from his 2-week holiday in America further meetings will follow and I will update you if and when there are more developments."