Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists Robin van Persie is close to signing a new contract. "The latest news is that we try to extend his contract and we aren't far," revealed Wenger to arsenal.com.

"Of course he has a big responsibility because we have many offensive players who have been out. Eduardo and Rosicky - a year. Cesc Fabregas and Walcott - three months. We have a lot of offensive players out and we have to do something about that.

"Robin is completely focused and motivated to do it like the rest of the team. He knows he is at the right age to win trophies. He sees that we have the potential to do it. He is highly focused I must say."