Arsene Wenger: Arsenal must keep Robin van Persie "at all costs"

Arsene Wenger has demanded that Arsenal keep hold of Robin van Persie beyond this summer "at all costs".

The skipper has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium, particularly because he has just 12 months remaining on his current deal.

However, manager Wenger has revealed that he hopes the Dutch international will see out his playing days in the red of Arsenal.

"We want to keep Robin van Persie at all costs, because we depend on him offensively," Wenger wrote in his blog for Eurosport.

"I have always supported him even in the hardest times, and I hope he will end his career at Arsenal."

Van Persie has been with the Gunners since 2004.