However, the 34-year-old former Dutch international is still hoping to earn a final one-year contract at Highbury to carry him through to the end of his illustrious career.

He could therefore be team-mates with the Holland Under-21 international next season – a prospect which Van Persie is clearly relishing.

“I am looking forward to playing with Dennis Bergkamp, one of the best Dutch players ever. I hope I can learn a lot from him,” he told the Evening Standard.

Van Persie, who is said to have turned down an extra £250,000 (€370,000) a season to play for Seville – Jose Antonio Reyes’ former club – and initially had the chance to join Arsenal in January.

However, the proposed move fell through, with Arsene Wenger moving for Reyes instead, but van Persie is relieved that Arsenal came back for him to ensure he joins them this summer.

“One thing that disappointment did was to make me mentally strong. But I am thrilled that I will be in new surroundings in the summer,” he said.

“I am not after money. I want to play where I am happy and feel I will be happy at Arsenal. There were quite a few clubs who wanted me but I can learn everything about football at Arsenal.

“I had talks with Arsene Wenger and I could see that the club breathes football. Once you have been to Arsenal and meet the people in charge, you know why they are on their way to being one of the biggest clubs in the world.”