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Arsenal to take risk on RvP future

Arsene Wenger faces a fight to keep hold of Robin van Persie © Getty Images

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Arsenal are prepared to gamble on the future of Robin van Persie, with manager Arsene Wenger insisting he wants him to stay even if he does not sign a new contract.

Van Persie has led the line brilliantly this term for the Gunners, netting 35 goals in 47 appearances in all competitions.

The Dutchman is entering the last year of his current deal, however, and there is growing concern the PFA and Football Writers' Association's Footballer of the Year may be tempted by a move abroad, especially with the likes of European giants Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus and Inter Milan reportedly interested.

Qualifying for the Champions League could be pivotal in tying down Van Persie to a fresh deal, with Arsenal guaranteed a place in next season's competition if they can hang on to third spot in the Premier League.

Wenger, though, is not willing to risk unsettling the 28-year-old and wants to wait until their Champions League fate is known before holding talks with the striker.

"We will sit down with him at the end of the season," Wenger said. "I believe he is committed to the club. Hopefully he will extend contract. Even if he doesn't we want him to stay.

"My desire and my wish is to find an agreement with Robin van Persie to extend the contract and stay with us for a longer time. Hopefully we can reach that. I think what is important is to find an agreement with him for him to be happy and for him to stay and finish his career here.

"I'm quite confident. I believe he's committed to the club, I feel the club has shown him great commitment to him and faith in him over the years. I brought him here a long time ago and he's developed fantastically well as a man, as a player. Today he is a world class player and he deserves great credit."

Arsenal recently confirmed they had completed the signing of Lukas Podolski, and Wenger reckons life will be easier for Van Persie with the addition of the German forward.

"He is a versatile striker - he can play through the middle, behind the striker, up front, on the left and on the right," he told Arsenal Player. "That's what we like, and he can score goals as well. How many times have we been accused this season of being too reliant on Robin van Persie? He can score goals and provide, and he is the class that we want.

"He can fit with Robin van Persie through the middle or on the sides. That is for sure. That was an important part of the decision making [about signing him]."

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