Arsene Wenger plays down Robin van Persie exit fears

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has called for calm over the speculation surrounding Robin van Persie's future with the club.

The Gunners captain, who has two years remaining on his contract at the Emirates Stadium, recently refused to commit his long-term future to the club.

However, Wenger has revealed that he is fine with Van Persie's situation and that the club are in no hurry to offer him a new deal.

"On our side we are quite clear. We are clear with our intention [to keep him] but after that you have to respect [Van Persie]," the French boss told a press conference.

"He has nearly two years to go so let's not make an immediate issue of something like that. Two years in football is a very, very long time."

Van Persie scored his 100th goal for the club during Saturday's 3-0 win over Bolton Wanderers.