Arsenal’s Brazil move to keep Van Persie

Arsenal's Dutch striker Robin van Persie (R) looks on as Fulham's Swiss defender Philippe Senderos (2nd R) collides with his goalkeeper, Australian Mark Schwarzer (2nd L) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Fulham at The Emirates Stadium in north London, England on November 26, 2011. (AFP)

Published Saturday, December 03, 2011

By Staff

Arsenal are not about to sit quiet while Tottenham get busy in the January transfer market.

According to the Daily Mail, the Gunners are ready to battle Juventus and Spurs for Brazil striker Leandro Damiao in the hope that his signing can prove the club's ambition to Robin van Persie.

Tottenham twice bid for the 22-year-old Internacional hotshot last summer but fell short of the £15million asking price, which has now rocketed up to approaching £25m.

Juventus have also made Damiao a top target.

Harry Redknapp is also considering re-entering the bidding, while Liverpool have had the Internacional hotshot watched closely.

Damiao has been in red-hot form for Brazilian side Internacional this year, scoring 40 goals in 52 games.

Arsenal hope fis signing would prove to Van Persie that the club can still attract top talent, after losing Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona and Samir Nasri to Manchester City.

Van Persie's future is unclear, with his contract up at the end of next season.

The Dutchman is on fire in front of goal but shoulders the burden of carrying Arsenal's attack.

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