Arsenal hero Martin Keown isn't surprised Robin van Persie won't be rushing into new contract talks.

Van Persie is inside the final two years of his current deal.

Keown told the Daily Mail: "Robin van Persie has given an honest answer about his future and it underlines what an important season it is for Arsenal.

"To avoid losing him in similar circumstances to Samir Nasri, Arsenal need a good campaign. Van Persie is not getting any younger and will want to play with the best players and see the club grow.

"So in that sense it is not a surprise that he wants to wait until the end of the season for contract talks. He will want to make sure Arsene Wenger is there too because the manager is the most important person at the club. Wenger can persuade him to stay."