Robin van Persie returns to training with Arsenal future still uncertain

Robin van Persie returned to Arsenal pre-season training today (Getty Images)

Robin van Persie was all smiles as he returned to Arsenal pre-season training today, but the long-term future of the Gunners skipper remains uncertain.

Holland international van Persie, who turns 29 at the start of August, announced after the European Championships he would not be renewing his current Arsenal deal, which expires at the end of next season.

However, despite reported interest from Manchester City and Juventus, both willing to offer the Dutchman big wages, Van Persie has joined up with his team-mates at their Hertfordshire base following an extended break.

After Van Persie made a carefully-worded announcement on Facebook, which included questioning the club's ambitions, Arsenal responded by saying while they "respected" their captain's position and they were "confident he will fulfil his commitments to the club."

Those would include jetting off with the rest of the squad for the start of Arsenal's Asia tour, where the Gunners will play a Malaysia XI at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur at the start of next week and is followed by a friendly against Barclays Premier League champions Manchester City at Beijing's Bird's Nest stadium on July 27.

Wenger has already moved to bolster Arsenal's frontline next season with the purchase of both France striker Giroud and German international Lukas Podolski.

Further additions are also expected, regardless of Van Persie's future - with Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila, Barcelona's Ibrahim Afellay and Corinthians midfielder Paulinho all reported targets.

However, Arsenal will also look to sell off fringe players.

The club confirmed this afternoon Mexico forward Carlos Vela was in talks with Real Sociedad to formalise a permanent move following his loan spell last season.

Other players who could also be allowed to move on include striker Nicklas Bendtner and Russian Andrey Arshavin, both who were also away from the Gunners on loan last season.

Arsenal found some form towards the end of the previous campaign, when fired by the goals of Van Persie, they edged back into the top four to secure third place and with it automatic Champions League qualification again.

Winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain cannot wait for the new campaign to get under way, when the Gunners will again be out to silence their critics.

The England midfielder told Arsenal Player: "To get back into training, see the boys and play football again - I just can't wait for it.

"I spoke to the boss and physio, and they said I am in on Thursday, but I asked if I could come in earlier.

"I just can't wait to get started again and get cracking with the new season."

PA