Arsenal are pushing to bring forward new contract talks with Robin van Persie. The Daily Mail says the Holland international would prefer to wait until the end of the season before holding talks over a new deal.

But the Gunners board are eager to start discussing the Gunners captain's future and will attempt to open talks within the next few weeks.

Van Persie is happy to listen to the club's proposals over a deal extension, but, as it stands, is not prepared to commit himself to a new long-term contract until the end of the season.