ARSENAL TRANSFER RUMOURS: Lewandowski, Van Persie, Jovetic and Walcott Involved In Latest Speculation

There is only one topic dominating the back pages of England's tabloids right now; the future of Arsenal's want-away star Robin van Persie. The papers suggest that the Dutchman's exit is now inevitable after his incendiary statement announcing that he would not sign a new contract at the club he has called home for the past eight seasons.

However, there has yet to be any further response from Arsenal other than a hastily worded statement claiming that they expect Van Persie to see out the last year of his contract at the Emirates.

That has not prevented incessant speculation about where the Premier League's Golden Boot winner will be plying his trade next season. The Daily Mirror reports that Juventus have jumped to the head of the queue. According to the story, Van Persie prefers a move to Turin over remaining in the Premier League with either Manchester United or Manchester City.

There remain doubts, though, about Juventus' ability or willingness to compete financially with the likes of City, despite the Mirror's assertion that they are prepared to offer Van Persie a deal worth £180,000-a-week. It is believed that City's bid has been derailed by the club's hierarchy insisting that some of the squad's existing strikers be removed from the wage bill.

The Manchester Evening News goes with a different angle, reporting quotes from Kolo Toure urging his former Arsenal teammate to join him at the Etihad.

Robin is a top player. I've played with him, I know him and he's a great man, said Toure. At City we have great players and the club does what it wants in transfers. But, for me, if Robin comes it's great because I know what he can do.

The Daily Mail, meanwhile, is focusing on the future at Arsenal after Van Persie's departure. The paper reports that Arsenal's scouting team will meet early next week to discuss replacements for the club's leading marksman.

It is claimed that high on the agenda will be Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski and Fiorentina's Stevan Jovetic. Both, it is said, were watched by the Gunners last season.

It is Montenegro international Jovetic who would seem the most likely option for Arsenal. Lewandowski is similar in mold to recent arrival Olivier Giroud, while Jovetic, like Van Perise, is more of an all-round forward, capable of playing off a central striker.

There could be more bad news for Arsenal fans on the horizon, though, with the Sun reporting that Theo Walcott is set follow Van Persie and refuse to extend his contract that has just a year to run. According to the Sun, Walcott has been dramatically affected by Van Perise's decision and won't sign a new deal on the table worth £80,000-a-week.

Walcott has been linked heavily to Chelsea in recent times and Arsenal may well be willing to do business if a significant offer comes in for his services. Certainly it is hard to see the Gunners allowing his contract run down and lose him for nothing as they may be willing to do with Van Persie.