RvP doesn't want to talk about new deal yet admit Arsenal

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has admitted star striker Robin van Persie has knocked back hopes of him signing a new contract any time soon.

Though manager Arsene Wenger recently said the club had begun contract talks with their talismanic forward, Hill-Wood said: "He doesn't want to talk about it at the moment and we are not troubling him."

Van Persie's current deal expires in June 2013 and the Gunners are desperate to keep a player who has already scored 11 league goals this season and is known to be on Manchester City's wanted list.

Hill-Wood said: "I think we will approach him near the end of the season.

"But we obviously hope that he will sign a new contract - I don't see why he should not. I can't believe he is unhappy with us."

He added: "I think he is a decent fellow.

"He was quite difficult at Feyenoord, but we have had no trouble with him."

Rumours earlier in the season suggested that van Persie had become disillusioned with life at the Emirates following the departure of high-profile stars like Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

However Arsene Wenger insisted last week that he was hopeful that the 28 year-old would commit his future to the club.

"He has 18 months to go and I'm confident he'll sign a new deal. I'm always confident," he said.