Mikel Arteta: We'll move on if Robin van Persie leaves

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta believes that Robin van Persie will opt to stay with the Gunners, while manager Arsene Wenger would find it too difficult to abandon the Emirates.

The Dutch striker has been linked with a switch away from the North London club after deciding to postpone talks over a new deal until the summer.

Speculation also surrounded boss Wenger in the earlier stage of the season, with reports suggesting that the Frenchman would leave his post.

"I can't really see [Van Persie] going," Arteta told Sky Sports News. "But if he does, you have to continue.

"[Wenger's] been here for 15 years and he's got the respect of the players, the staff, and everybody at the club. I think it is not easy for him to leave."

The Gunners have managed to turn their season around from a dismal start and now reside in third place in the Premier League.