By Michael Lynch
January 22 2004

Feyenoord and Arsenal have moved closer to agreeing a fee for young superstar Robin van Persie. The club rejected The Gunner's first bid.

Dutch side Feyenoord's spokesperson Fred Blankemeijer said: 'We have rejected a first bid and we are waiting for Arsenal to come back to us. We are waiting for written confirmation of a second bid from them.'
The 20-year-old has scored five goals this season for the Rotterdam giants.

'Arsenal have made a serious opening offer and our president, Jorien van den Herik, has already responded,' Feyenoord's external affairs manager Jan D Swart added.

'This offer can be considered a serious base for further negotiations.'

Van Persie's contract with his current club ends next year and he doesn't want to extend.

'Robin has informed Feyenoord that he will not extend his contract,' said Van Persie's advisor and spokesman, Erwin Boonacker.

'For Robin it is a dream to continue his career abroad with a top team.'

This comes after Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was promised transfer funding for the first time in ages. The club don't exactly have much cash.

Latest English Football Headlines Last 10 stories: