Robin van Persiecould make his Manchester United debut against Everton. Photo: Nigel French/EMPICS Sport

Transfer news: Peter Hill-Wood will not sell Robin van Persie, unless the right price is offered

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has insisted that the club will not sell Robin van Persie for nothing and admitted his surprise at the Dutchman’s decision not to sign a new contract.

The striker, who scored 30 goals last season, has been linked with Manchester City, Manchester United and Juventus this summer and his deal with the club expires next year.

“He is a world class player and we do not want to give him away,” said Hill-Wood. “If he is determined to leave then that is up to him, but giving him away is not on our agenda.

“To be honest I do not understand him at all. I understood Cesc Fabregas wanting to go home to Barcelona last summer. I had sympathy with that.

“But I thought Robin was happy at Arsenal. Especially after the season that he had with us.”