Wenger: I want to keep Van Persie

Arsene Wenger has reiterated his desire to keep star striker Robin van Persie at Arsenal. The Dutch forward's existing deal at the Emirates Stadium expires next year and Wenger is desperate for the 28-year-old to remain a Gunner. "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." he told Arsenal Player. "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." But Wenger is convinced that Van Persie will continue to give his all for Arsenal, regardless of whether he leaves the club. "Robin was an exceptional leader last year," he said. "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. "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." FIFA .