Manchester United are keeping tabs on Arsenal striker Robin van Persie, according to a report in the British tabloid The Sun.

Apparently, Red Devils manager Alex Ferguson is a big fan of the 25-year-old and is looking to take advantage should contract talks between the Gunners and the player continue to stall.

The 36-time capped Netherlands international's current deal is due to expire next summer.

Although it seems Van Persie is happy with the new four-year deal worth a reported £80,000-a-week, it seems that what is preventing him putting pen-to-paper is the north London-based outfit's plans in the transfer market, as he wants to play for a side capable of winning trophies.

"Financially the offer is fine but that is not everything to me. It's about my ambition and how that can be fulfilled," Van Persie is quoted as saying.

"In the last four years I've won only one prize, the FA Cup, and that is too little. I want more."

It is claimed that Ferguson is hopeful he can persuade the former Feyenoord star that a move to Old Trafford would boost his chances of attaining silverware.

However, it is also thought that Inter head coach Jose Mourinho is monitoring the 6ft 2in forward's situation at the Emirates Stadium.

The worrying news for Arsenal fans is that the signs at present indicate Van Persie would be open to a move away from the club.

"Robin loves it at Arsenal but he is getting to the age when he wants to win things," a Dutch source is quoted as stating.

"He knows that there are clubs interested in him and is waiting to see what happens."

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mail, Philippe Senderos may be used as a make-weight as Arsenal step-up their pursuit of Fiorentina's Felipe Melo.

It was reported on Wednesday that the Gunners are interested in acquiring the services of 25-year-old Melo this summer.

Apparently, manager of the north London outfit Arsene Wenger has been casting his eye over the combative midfielder for the past three years.

It was claimed that Arsenal were readying an offer of €17.7 million (£15m) in the hope of landing the five-time capped Brazil international, who is currently with the Selecao at the Confederations Cup.

However, it seems that the Viola may insist that 24-year-old centre-back Philippe Senderos is included in any potential deal.

Having fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium, the 31-time capped Switzerland international spent last season on loan at Milan, and it appears that his performances attracted the attention of the Gigliati.

It is thought that Senderos would welcome a return to Italy for the 2009-10 campaign and it is suggested that Fiorentina may be willing to cash-in on Melo.

Arsenal starlet Kieran Gibbs would not be adverse spending next season out on loan as Gael Clichy's return to fitness doesn't bode well for him in terms of starting opportunities.

The 19-year-old showed plenty of promise, after being elevated into the Arsenal first team as a result of the French full-back's injury, prompting Arsene Wenger to brand him as a future England star.

Nevertheless, he is well aware that he still has plenty to learn before he is up to Clichy's caliber, and as such another loan spell (he played for Norwich on a temporary basis during part of the 07/08 season) could prove more beneficial than a season spent mostly on the sidelines.

"It will be difficult because when you play week-in week-out you get used to it and it would be different coming off the bench again," Gibbs was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

"I'm still 19 and he (Clichy) is a world-class left-back. I've still got a lot to learn from him and I don't think it will be too disappointing for me to continue learning from one of the best left-backs in the world.

"I enjoyed it at Norwich. Would I go again? I would go again if the manager wants me to, if he feels I need more experience before going back in at that level."

Gibbs' breakthrough season was blighted by a slip in the concluding leg of the Champions League semi-final against Manchester United that allowed Ji-Sung Park to capitalise and effectively kill the tie. However, he showed little to no signs of mental fragility as a result in the matches following that unfortunate incident.

"It's hard to think at the time and put the blame on anyone else," he said, reflecting on that dark night in early May.

"I felt disappointed after that but I'm trying to forget about that now and this is the tournament I am in.

"I look at the season as a big success for me personally, I've got my experience in and played in some big games that I wanted to play in.

"On the other side, for the team, after what happened in the Champions League I felt disappointed, not for myself but for the team and the people I thought I had let down.

"I received a lot of support after that and that got me through it for the rest of the season. I think it showed a mental strength to come back from that, especially straight after."