Arteta: Arsenal can't replace Van Persie

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta has admitted that he doesn't know how the club would cope if Robin van Persie were to leave.

The Dutch striker, who has scored 33 goals in all competitions this season, has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium as he stalls over a new contract.

"He's the one who's been making the difference and you need someone to put the ball in the net, and Robin has done it more than any other player in the Premier League," Arteta told talkSPORT.

"He's probably one of the best in Europe which means without him it wouldn't be the same. I don't know how you would replace him, but we don't want to be in that situation."

The Gunners make the short trip to struggling Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League on Saturday.