Van Persie in wages outburst

Robin van Persie has issued a stark warning to Arsenal and manager Arsene Wenger, claiming the London club must increase their wage budget if they are to keep their squad together.

Reports also claim that Emmanuel Adebayor is demanding a wage increase but Wenger is protective of the salary structure at Emirates Stadium and has always underlined he will not compromise the club’s financial stability in order to keep a player happy.

This ethos of frugality is clearly not one that Van Persie subscribes to, as the Holland star has urged Arsenal to loosen the purse-strings if they are to avoid losing more of their star names in future.

"They should make sure that these players stay,” said Van Persie, who is reportedly discussing a new deal in North London. “Arsenal have a policy in which they will not go over a specific amount of money when agreeing the salary of a player.

"They won't pay enormous amounts of money. I think that they should go to a higher level of salary.

"If you want to keep the group together, you have to keep them happy. If you are 27 or 28, I can understand that you would make the decision to go elsewhere if you can earn three or four times as much.

"If that sort of money was also paid here, I'm sure that person would stay.

"It is the principle. It is very important that Arsenal keep these guys. This group is unique. If a number of them leave, it will be different.

"I think of myself as an Arsenal man but Arsenal should also try to make sure that we all grow together."