Marco van Basten has told Arsenal to do everything they can to keep hold of captain Robin van Persie. Van Basten, the former ­Holland coach, has a good relationship with Van Persie and, Arsene Wenger apart, knows him better than ­anyone in football.

He told the Sunday Mirror: "Robin must not leave Arsenal. You can't compare my situation at Ajax. The big difference is that Robin is ­already at a big club.

"Robin has been in London for six years. He can't help it that ­Arsenal have won ­nothing in that time.

"So much has changed in those six years in the Premier League.

"Chelsea have become a big club and have massive ­financial resources.

"Manchester City have ­become a big force and are richer than any other club.

"Manchester United and ­Liverpool have American owners. The amount of money which is flowing to these clubs for transfers is unbelievable. Arsenal operate differently. I admire that.

"And I still think Arsenal are the most beautiful club in ­England. At Man City and Chelsea, they will never have that class and style.

"Arsenal have the most ­amazing stadium, they have a style of play, they have a ­beautiful shirt - in every way I consider Arsenal as the ­ultimate football club.

"It is the club where Robin belongs.''