Confident Wenger reassures fans captain Van Persie won't leave Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has told fans that captain Robin Van Persie won't leave the club before the start of next season.

The Dutch international is wanted by several of the world's leading clubs, including Manchester City and Barcelona.

Wenger puts it down to Van Persie's improved mental outlook on the game and his health.

"I am confident that you will see Robin van Persie in the Barclays Premier League next season and I am very confident you will see him in red and white," the Daily Express quoted Wenger, as saying.

"I am happy and he must be proud. When you compare the Robin who arrived, from being on the bench at Feyenoord, to the player he has become today it is remarkable," he added.

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has said the club must keep Van Persie if they want to be in the race to win the Premier League next season.

"It's important we keep Robin if we seriously want to be title contenders. He has proven this season what his value is to the team with the goals he has scored. It's important to keep those sort of players at the club," Ramsey said.

"He was our top goal-scorer, won the Golden Boot and the Player of the Year awards, so any team would want to keep him. Arsenal is no different. He hasn't given any of the other lads any indications on what he is going to do. Nothing has been said. But, hopefully, he will stay," he added.