Wenger – My wish is to keep Van Persie at Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reiterated his desire to keep Robin van Persie at the club, after the Dutchman announced that he does not want to renew his deal with the Gunners, earlier this month.

Arsenal’s Premier League rivals Manchester United and Manchester City, as well as Serie A champions Juventus, have already manifested their interest in signing the acclaimed goalscorer, but Wenger is still hoping Van Persie changes his mind and stays at the Emirates Stadium.

“For me, Van Persie is one of the best strikers in the world, if not the best, and my desire is to keep him at the Club,” the French boss told the club’s official website.

“As for the rest I will do what is in the best interests of Arsenal Football Club. That, at the moment, is where we are. There is not a lot more to say than that.”

Wenger has also highlighted the importance of building a solid team, in order to compete at this season’s Premier League campaign.

“Robin was an exceptional leader last year. But we know how much we had to fight to come third because we missed out the start of the season. After seven games we had lost four and we have learned that for us it is vital for us to focus on the start of the season rather than on any transfers,” he added.

“If the transfers happen, they happen. As long as you are at the club you give your best for the club and that is the only pride you can have as a football player and as a manager.”

“As long as you are somewhere you give your best every day for that club. If it changes, it changes. I am convinced that Robin is like that, he is completely focused every day on his job. He loves football, he loves the game and as long as he is here he will do that.”

Robin van Persie Robin van Persie  Netherlands 1983-08-06 (29 years) Forward 71 kg 183 cm See player profile>

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