Gervinho – Van Persie Has to Remain At Arsenal

Arsenal “need” Robin van Persie to stay at the club. That is the view of summer signing Gervinho, and most probably the entire Arsenal fan-base, who have witnessed the Dutch striker slam in 10 crucial goals in just 13 appearances this season.

The 28 year-old scored the two goals which won Arsenal’s game against Stoke on Sunday after coming on as a substitute to add to Gervinho’s early goal, and the captain has had some very kind words said about him by his fellow goalscorer. Gervinho said:

“We always need our best players so a player like Robin, frankly, we need him to stay longer at the Club. It would give me pleasure if he stayed because I’ve just arrived and I would like him to stay so I can play with him a while longer.”

“He’s formidable and the team needs him. You always have to have leaders in the group and he’s one of the players who drags the team forward. He’s the captain and his role is to galvanise the group and he assumes the responsibility.”

“He is good for us psychologically. He’s among the most experienced players on the pitch and when he enters the game he puts the opposition’s defence under pressure and that helps our game.”

Van Persie’s contract with Arsenal expires in 2012, and he has given no clear indication that he will sign an extension. The Netherlands international has repeatedly said that he is committed to the club, reiterating the long period of time he has already spent in London, however it is concerning that he has told the club to wait for him to make the vital decision.