Former Arsenal chief David Dein says its critical for the club they secure Robin van Persie.

Van Persie's contract expires at the end of next season.

Dein told Sky Sports: "He is very important to the club and it is not every day you can get a guy who can score over 30 goals in a season.

"There was a lot of competition at the time and we are very fortunate he signed for us. I was delighted and he has proved the point because he has been such a prolific goalscorer for the club.

"He plays with passion, he plays with his heart and, as you heard in his speech, he is a very modest guy.

"He has done a great job for the club and the fact that he has stayed with the club all this time, when he has had plenty of opportunities to go elsewhere, says a lot about Robin's character."