Arsenal legend David O'Leary says their future hangs on keeping skipper Robin van Persie.

The Dutchman is currently the top scorer in the league with 11 goals and former Highbury favourite O'Leary claims the success of the Gunners' season rests firmly on the striker's shoulders.

"They have to keep Van Persie fit, that's the bottom line for Arsenal," O'Leary told talkSPORT. "He is a fantastic goalscorer and the only problem with him is his track record with injuries.

"If you look at his record he's had injuries every season and they have been bad and long-term and Arsenal have suffered from that.

"He's come on in the last few games and done his magic. Arsenal don't have the same cutting edge [without him]."