Barcelona star Kluivert appeals to Arsenal

Dutch star Patrick Kluivert has threatened to walk out on Spanish giants Barcelona who are trying to halve his salary and join English Premiership side Arsenal.

The 26-year-old, who is on six million euros a year, has told Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger he could be bought for as little as 1.8 million euros.

"If Barca amend my contract and reduce my salary, it would be normal to leave. When something is signed you have to fulfil it," Kluivert told The Sun newspaper.

"I've got offers but the most important ones are from Arsenal and Manchester United.

"United have Ruud van Nistelrooy, but I would be more successful at Arsenal because of the way they play. Arsene Wenger's football is more European.

"Dennis Bergkamp says his emphasis on attack is like a Dutch coach in the best days of the national team. And London is a city I love - it would be good for my family."

Kluivert is the highest paid player at Barcelona but his contract - which is set to expire in 2005 - contains a clause stating the club can halve his salary.

In return, Kluivert's transfer fee would be slashed from 36 million euros to 1.8 million euros, smoothing the way for him to negotiate better terms with a new club.

The appointment of former Holland star Frank Rijkaard as Barcelona coach on Monday does not appear to have changed Kluivert's mind about leaving.

"This isn't a bluff. It seems I am more valued in England than at Barcelona," he said.

"Sooner or later I am going to end up playing in the Premiership. I've put up with a lot at Barca but this could be the final straw.

Kluivert became the Dutch national team's all-time leading scorer with his 38th international goal when Holland beat Belarus 2-0 two weeks ago to move ahead of Arsenal striker Bergkamp's 37 goals.

Last month he was linked with a move to join team-mate van Nistelrooy at Manchester.

Kluivert would miss the first four matches of the 2003-2004 season if he stayed in Spain after being sent off for fighting in Barcelona's last match of the season.