Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger maintains it is crucial that the Gunners persuade Robin van Persie to remain at the Emirates as the Holland international enters the last year of his contract.

Wenger knows just how important the 28 year old is to the club, having netted 37 goals in all competitions as the Gunners eventually secured third place.

Writing in his blog for Eurosport, Wenger said: "We want to keep Robin van Persie at all costs, because we depend on him offensively.

"I have always supported him even in the hardest times, and I hope he will end his career at Arsenal."