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Robin van Persie could be on his way out of Arsenal sooner rather than later with speculation suggesting that the Gunners have received bids from three clubs for their want-away skipper.

Van Persie’s revelation earlier this summer that he wouldn’t be signing a new deal with the Gunners was a huge blow for Arsenal fans, but hardly a huge surprise as the likes of Manchester City and Juventus have long been linked with the predatory Dutchman, last season’s Player of the Year after netting 37 goals for Arsene Wenger’s side.

According to BBC Sport, both City and Juventus have made bids in the region of £15 million for the 28-year old, as have Manchester United, who emerged as unlikely candidates for his signature earlier this week.

It is also understood that Van Persie will not be joining his teammates for a three game pre-season tour of Asia on Saturday, which would appear to indicate that he could be on the move from North London sooner rather than later.

Arsenal, though, are prepared to dig their heels in and won’t let their skipper go without a fight. Even though Van Persie turns 29 next month, has a history of injury problems and has signalled his intention to leave, the club are holding out for a fee of around £25-30 million and have also said that they are prepare to let him run down the final year of his contract and run the risk of losing him on a free next summer.

Should Van Persie eventually move on to one of the three clubs coveting his signature, it will be interesting to see who he chooses.

All three clubs should be challenging for trophies on many fronts next season and although City’s financial clout appears to make them favourites, he would almost certainly be guaranteed a game with less competition at United and Juventus, something not assured at City until the planned striker clearout by Roberto Mancini gets underway.

We won't be the only ones hanging on every move in the Van Persie saga with baited breath.