Arsene Wenger: Robin Van Persie is the best

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that Robin Van Persie is the best striker in the Premier League.

The Dutch forward has scored 28 goals in 35 appearances during 2011 and Wenger has praised the scoring record of the 28-year-old.

"This season, Robin has certainly been the best," said Wenger. "The last six months, he has certainly been the most efficient. "You like Robin, because he's not a typical goal-scorer. When you see him play, it never comes to your mind that this guy is a goal-scorer. "And then you look at the record and think he's not only a good player, he's also a top class goal-scorer."

Van Persie has been linked with a move away from the Emirates recently but Wenger will be keen to keep him after the high-profile departure of Cesc Fabregas.

Arsenal are in Premier League action at home to Stoke on Sunday.