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Hill-Wood - RVP is happy

Image: Robin van Persie: Arsenal striker is happy in London and not motivated by money, according to chairman

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood believes Robin van Persie is settled at the club and would not be lured away by the offer of a lucrative contract.

Arsenal chairman also prepared to spend if right man is available

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood believes Robin van Persie is settled at the club and would not be lured away by the offer of a lucrative contract, while he has also insisted there is money to spend in the transfer market if the 'right person' can be found. Lukas Podolski has emerged as a possible summer signing for the Gunners and fresh reports on Wednesday suggest the Cologne striker has undergone a medical in Germany that was overseen by officials from the London club. The pursuit of Podolski has been viewed as an attempt to bolster Arsenal's attacking options rather than as a potential replacement for Van Persie, whose future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent months. The Dutchman's current deal at the Emirates Stadium is due to expire in June 2013 and he has put contract talks on hold until the end of this season. Van Persie has been in such spectacular form this season that a number of other clubs are sure to be following his situation with interest, but Hill-Wood is confident he will not be going anywhere. While Arsenal are believed to be ready to offer Van Persie a massive pay hike, Hill-Wood does not think he is obsessed with financial rewards and is more concerned about having a successful career at the club he loves. "I think Robin and his family are very happy in London and I don't think he is solely motivated by money as some players are," Hill-Wood said in the Daily Star.

Not silly prices

As well as Podolski, Arsenal have been linked with a move for his £30million-rated German compatriot Mario Gotze, from Borussia Dortmund. Reports have claimed that Arsenal are ready to not only push through a move for Podolski but also break their transfer record to land Gotze. Hill-Wood says there are funds available to Wenger, although the club will only spend if they feel it is a good deal. "If we find the right person for the right position we are happy to buy," said Hill-Wood. "We have got enough to pay anything but silly prices."

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