Arsenal Chief – “I Think Robin van Persie Wants To Stay”

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has eased fears over Robin van Persie’s future by claiming the striker is happy at the Emirates.

Van Persie has been in stunning form this season scoring 15 goals in 14 league games so far this campaign. The Dutchman’s contract expires in 2013 and everyone associated with Arsenal are keen to tie the striker down to a long-term deal as soon as possible.

But the 28-year-old has refused to discuss an extension until the end of the season which would leave the Gunners in the dangerous position of having their captain with just 12 months left on his contract. This could see a repeat of the situation we saw last summer with Samir Nasri, where the Frenchman was sold after refusing to sign a new contract.

However, Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood remains confident the in-form striker is happy at the Emirates and insists he’s not worried by van Persie’s reluctance to discuss a new deal just yet:

“I think Robin wants to stay. He seems very happy.

“Nothing has been discussed, though it is obvious we want him to stay. He doesn’t want to talk about a contract now and that’s fine with us.”