"Arsenal won't pay enormous amounts but should go to a higher level," Van Persie was quoted as saying by Sky Sports on Friday.

"If a player can earn four times as much at another club, I can understand why he'd go elsewhere."

Arsenal are struggling to compete with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, who are financially backed by foreign owners.

The Gunners' failure to match their stars' financial demands saw Matheiu Flamini depart to Italian giants AC Milan.

Belarusian midfielder Alexander Hleb has been also linked with a move away from Emirates Stadium.