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Robin van Persie has been dealt a potentially devastating blow after being told he is no longer a first choice in the Dutch national team.

Louis van Gaal, who has replaced Bert van Maarwijk as coach after Holland's dismal group-stage exit at Euro 2012, has announced that Klaas Jan Huntelaar will be his main striker - because van Persie has not been good enough on the international stage.

Van Gaal also warned van Persie to sort out his future quickly because the uncertainty would also affect his form.

Arsenal and Manchester United have agreed terms on a deal for the 29-year-old, but it's not all been good news for the player.

Van Gaal has now told van Persie, who was not in the match-day squad as Holland lost to Belgium in a friendly on Wednesday, that he will be a substitute from now on.

"Through my eyes and in my opinion Huntelaar has always performed well for Holland while van Persie hasn't," said van Gaal. "In the 4-3-3 system, with Arjen Robben on the left flank and [PSV Eindhoven's Luciano] Narsingh on the right, then I choose Huntelaar as striker.

"He gets my trust because, in my vision, he is still the best player.

"Thereupon Klaas-Jan has to prove it. When you are a club coach you give players longer time to earn that trust than as national coach. Robin is my second man after Klaas-Jan.

"In the Dutch team, van Persie hasn't brought what he can and Huntelaar will.

"I don't see van Persie in another position and for him it's important that there is clarity where he will be playing in the new season. But he is dependent on decisions made by two top clubs.

"I had to tell van Persie that his situation with the national team had changed and my preference was for Huntelaar.

"I had a tremendous meeting with him both on the personal and technical level.

"It was one of the best discussions that I've ever had with a player.

"I was surprisingly happy about that and the most important conclusion was that van Persie said he won't give up."

Arsenal are holding out for £20m-plus from United and van Persie's future is likely to be resolved when he returns to the UK after international duty.

Elsewhere, Barcelona are keen on Gunners midfielder Alex Song and vice president Josep Maria Bartomeu has led a delegation seeking to thrash out a deal .

Arsenal may sell for around £15m, then look to replace Song with a new signing.

Rennes and France midfielder Yann M'Vila has been on their radar, and they have been keen on Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin.

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Although they have already signed forwards Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud this summer, Arsenal have also checked on Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente.

Spain international Llorente could be sold this summer after 'doing an RvP' by saying he will not extend his contract, which only has 12 months left to run.

