Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said that Robin van Persie's future will be decided before the start of the Premier League season.

The 28-year-old, who does not intend to extend his Gunners contract that expires in 12 months, is a reported transfer target for Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus.

Wenger maintains that he wants to keep the player, but vows to do whatever is best for the club.

"We are very, very ambitious. You know that. Not only very ambitious but also very proud of the way we run our club," said Wenger. "Van Persie is a world-class striker and I am a big supporter of him. I have supported him throughout.

"He has one year left and is in demand but our desire is to keep him. However, we will do what is in best interest of the club. If you have a decoder in your head you can decode that. The official transfer deadline is August 31 but then we can create an internal deadline.

"Of course [that deadline is before the start of the season]. I believe the transfer market should stop before the season starts anyway."

Arsenal begin their Premier League campaign on August 18 with a home game against Sunderland.