Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is confident of keeping Robin van Persie.

Van Persie has confirmed plans of discussing a new deal at the end of the season.

"Who would want to lose his best player? My desire and my wish is to find an agreement with Robin van Persie, extend the contract and stay with us for a longer time. Hopefully we can reach that," said Wenger, whose side host Norwich tomorrow aiming to strengthen their grip on third place in the Barclays Premier League.

"If that wouldn't happen, we will still want him to stay, but I am more focused on the first situation.

"I think what is important for us is that we find an agreement with him to be happy and to stay and finish his career here."

Wenger continued: "I cannot guarantee that it will go well, but I am quite confident.

"I believe Robin is committed to the club, I feel that the club has shown great commitment to him over the years and put great faith in him.

"I brought him here a long, long time ago and he has developed fantastically well as a man and as a player.

"Today he is a world-class player and he deserves great credit. Hopefully we can keep him here."