Dutch legend Marco van Basten feels Arsenal must buy big to convince Robin van Persie to pen a new contract.

Van Basten remains close to the Arsenal skipper and the club's hierarchy. He prepared for his UEFA coaching badges by spending time with the Gunners.

He told the Sunday Mirror: "Arsenal have a few guys behind the scenes who really do want to spend big money on players.

"So far the club have not wanted to give in to these guys. But there comes a point when a player like Robin can say if that remains the philosophy of the club, then he'll have to move on.

"I really do know that a few guys have loads of money. How do I know this? I meet people in football.

"There is a logical reason for Robin to leave if he wants to win trophies. But he can turn round to the board and the manager and say: 'Look, I enjoy life here at Arsenal. Why would I leave? But you have to make new signings.'

"If I was Robin, I'd tell the club he wants to win things with Arsenal. And he can also say, 'If you - the board and the management - cannot fulfil my ambitions, I will have to go."