Sir Alex Ferguson is still hopeful of bringing Robin van Persie to Manchester United this summer, but admits Arsenal’s apparent refusal to negotiate has him perplexed.
Arsenal have already rejected a United bid for the 29-year-old striker, who has also attracted interest from Manchester City and Juventus, and are reluctant to sell to a Premier League rival.
“I can’t give you any more information,” said Ferguson on Wednesday night when asked about Van Persie. “We have made a bid and they’ve been trying to negotiate with other clubs. We just have to persevere.
“Hopefully it will come our way. We’re trying our best but there’s no progress at this moment in time.”I don’t have a gut feeling on it at the moment, I must admit. We’re not getting any breakthrough with Arsenal.
“It’s difficult to say why they’re operating this way. I don’t know what their thoughts are because they’re not giving anything away.”
The Dutchman’s refusal to sign a new contract as he enters the final year of his current deal has seemingly left Arsenal with little room for manoeuvre.
It is thought Arsene Wenger would reluctantly let the forward leave for a fee of between £20m and £25m, although the Gunners claim they would not be adverse to making him see out the final 12 months of his contract.
And Ferguson will no doubt have riled the Arsenal hierarchy with his decision to speak publicly about United’s pursuit of the player for a second time this summer.