Robin van Persie: Manchester Utd's bid for Arsenal striker stalls

Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester United's attempts to sign Robin van Persie from Arsenal have stalled.

The Netherlands striker, 29, has 11 months left on his Arsenal contract and has declined an offer to extend his deal at Emirates Stadium.
"We've made a bid, they [Arsenal] have been trying to negotiate with other clubs," said United manager Ferguson.
"I don't have a gut feeling about it. We can't get a breakthrough with Arsenal."
Ferguson first revealed the Red Devils had made an offer for the Gunners forward on 20 July.

Van Persie in numbers

• Van Persie earned Arsenal 27 points last season, based on his goals and assists - the most of any player in the league
• In the 2011-12 season, he scored a goal every 111 minutes while he was on the pitch
• His total of 30 Premier League goals was more than his combined total from the previous two seasons
• The Dutchman converted one in five chances last season, while 58% of his 141 shots were on target - the best record in the league

It is not known whether they have improved their original offer, but Ferguson said he did not know whether United's pursuit of Van Persie would be successful.

It is understood Arsenal are reluctant to enter formal negotiations until a bid exceeds £20m.
"I don't know what Arsenal's thoughts are because they're not giving anything away," he told reporters after United's friendly against Barcelona in Gothenburg on Wednesday, which finished in a 0-0 draw before Barca won 2-0 on penalties.