Manchester City chief Patrick Vieira is convinced they'll prise Robin van Persie away from Arsenal. And the Gunners legend warned his former boss Arsene Wenger that Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere will also leave if Arsenal fail to keep the Dutchman.

He said: "It is one of the things they should have closed a long time ago. It is difficult to understand.

"It's really difficult to find players of the quality of Van Persie with one year left all around the world. It is a big risk because they lost Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas last year.

"If they lose Van Persie, it will be a drama. With Samir and Cesc, you can say, 'OK, those two are gone but you know Jack Wilshere and Van Persie are still at the club'.

"But if Robin leaves that means next year it may be Theo Walcott, next year's going to be Wilshere."