• Premier League

Arsenal can't let RVP leave - Gervinho

ESPN staff
February 15, 2012
Gervinho has hailed Robin van Persie's value to the club © Getty Images
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Arsenal forward Gervinho is adamant the Premier League club cannot afford to let Robin van Persie leave.

The Dutchman's future remains in some doubt, with his contract set to expire at the end of next season. Real Madrid have recently been linked with a move for the Premier League's current top scorer - who has 22 goals to his credit already - as fans fear another high profile exit after the loss of both Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri last summer.

And Gervinho agrees that Van Persie is vital to the Gunners - believing he scares opponents while giving his own team-mates a huge boost.

"I don't want Robin van Persie to be sold. Arsenal is a team that needs great footballers and leaders on the pitch," Gervinho told France Football. "And Robin is a player that pushes his team-mates to work more and do more during a match.

"It is a dream to play with him. He is the captain, the leader of the group, there is no doubt.

"I could see it from my very first day at the club. I believe when our adversaries see Robin in the team, it is a huge psychological blow."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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