Adding another twist to one of the most protracted transfer sagas in recent history, reports indicate Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain have joined the race to sign Arsenal captain Robin van Persie.

The big spending French outfit, backed by the Qatari Investment Authority, has the financial muscle to compete with the likes of Manchester City for the signature of the Dutchman and, according to the Daily Mirror, the club are now ready to break the bank, again, to land one of their top targets in the Gunners' striker.

Brazil legend and PSG director Leonardo made inquiries about van Persie earlier this summer but was informed the player was not for sale. However, with the 28 year old reluctant to commit his future to Arsenal and stalling over contract extension talks, the club have renewed their interest in him, reports the Daily Mail.

The reports claim Les Parisiens boss Carlo Ancelotti, who will know van Persie well from his days in charge at Stamford Bridge, is a huge admirer of the Gunners hitman and is now prepared to tempt the player with a massive package in terms of wages. However, only an exceptional offer from PSG would see van Persie moving to the French capital. Otherwise, it is highly unlikely that last season's PFA Player of the Year and Premier League's top scorer will leave the English top flight for anything other Spain's La Liga.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is aware of his talismanic skipper's ambitions and ruled out the Holland international moving to Juventus, on similar grounds.

"There is no reason why a top player, a big champion would want a move to Serie A - in terms of the prestige of the league, the level of play or financial considerations. If he moves there, I will buy you a caramello," Sky Sports quoted Wenger as saying.

However, as we have seen before, in the case of players like Samuel E'too, who became one of the highest paid footballers in the world with his switch to Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala last summer, a hefty wage-package can swing the deal in PSG's favour and help them land their man.