The Dutchman, 25, has ended speculation on his future by signing a new, long-term deal which is reported to be worth some £80,000-a-week.

Van Persie - the Gunners' leading scorer last season with 20 goals from 44 appearances - was so determined to complete the paperwork ahead of the new season that he did so while on holiday in Cannes.

The Holland forward is set to join up with the rest of the Arsenal squad, some of whom have already returned to pre-season training, next week.

"We have been talking for almost a whole year, and we managed to close the deal in between the two last international games, when we had agreed on all the important things," the Dutchman revealed in an interview with Arsenal TV Online.

"I start again on July 13, and it is good to close the deal and start with a good feeling. I cannot wait for the new season."

Van Persie added: "One of the main reasons I signed was to lift a big trophy. I do not want to do it with a different team. I want to lift it with Arsenal.

"That is now my main target and it would make me so proud to do it.

"I know it is going to be hard, because we have lots of competition, with teams like Manchester City and Aston Villa getting stronger.

"But I still see big chances for Arsenal, and it is my dream to lift trophies with this team."

Van Persie - signed from home-town club Feyenoord during May 2004 - had been linked with a big-money move away from the Emirates Stadium, with English champions Manchester United a reported destination.

However, for the Dutchman, there is only one team close to his heart.

"I believe in Arsenal as a club, in the fans, in the teams. I just love Arsenal, which is the main reason why I signed," he said.

"Sometimes you hear rumours, but my heart is with Arsenal.

"I just can't picture myself in a different shirt. I just can't see it now because I love this club so much.

"If you look at the last five years, look at the steps I have made every season, if you look at the support the boss and the whole club gave me, the fans gave me, my team mates gave me - this is the right decision."

Much like captain Cesc Fabregas, Van Persie has often talked of the need for Arsenal to now turn their potential into silverware.

When the Dutchman arrived five years ago, the Gunners were the team to beat and after making his debut in the FA Community Shield win over Manchester United, Van Persie was part of the victorious 2005 FA Cup side - the last trophy secured under manager Arsene Wenger.

Despite their recent barren return, Van Persie is convinced Arsenal - who reached the 2006 Champions League final - are a club heading in the right direction.

"We have a top-class manager, a squad full of superb young players, a world-class stadium and brilliant supporters," he said.

"Arsenal has a very bright future and I want to be part of it."

England winger Theo Walcott also agreed a new deal during May, while the futures of youngsters Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Kieran Gibbs have all been tied up this summer.

So far, Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen remains the only addition in what is understood to be a £10million deal from Ajax.

It remains to be seen whether Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor - a target for AC Milan will stay at Arsenal - and the Gunners may have missed out on Fiorentina midfielder Felipe Melo, as reports in Italy claim the Brazilian is now close to agreeing a move to Juventus.