Arsenal confident Van Persie will stay

Jul 4, 2012 7:12:00 PM

Despite the striker's announcement earlier on Wednesday that he would not be extending his deal, the Gunners hope they can keep their captain at the Emirates

Arsenal remain confident that Robin van Persie will stay at the club despite the striker revealing that he will not be renewing his contract.

The 28-year-old had confirmed earlier on Wednesday that discussions with manager Arsene Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis had not gone as planned, with both parties sharing differing views on how the club should move forward.

However, the Gunners remain hopeful that their captain, who netted 37 goals in 48 appearances last season, will see out the remaining year of his contract instead of moving on this summer.

	GOLDEN GOODBYE?
8/1	Robin van Persie is 8/1 with William Hill to finish as top scorer in the Premier League next season.

A statement on the club’s official website read: "We have to respect Robin's decision not to renew his contract. Robin has one year to run on his current contract and we are confident that he will fulfil his commitments to the club.

"We are planning with ambition and confidence for next season with Arsenal's best interests in mind."

Wenger has already bolstered his striking options with the summer signings of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud, from Koln and Montpellier respectively.

However, the loss of their talisman would be a major blow as the club attempt to keep within touching distance of the Premier League’s title-challenging sides.

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