'It's A Dream To Play With Van Persie'

Fresh from the Africa Cup of Nations, Arsenal's Ivorian forward Gervinho has shifted his focus to club football.

Gervinho, who forms a three-man attack at Arsenal alongside Theo Walcott and Van Persie, is delighted to be back at the Gunners.

The 28-year old Van Persie who is currently topping the goal scoring charts in the Barclays Premier League with 22 goals, has been a subject of transfer speculation with some of Europe's top sides like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City rumoured to be after his signature.

But Gervinho wants the Dutchman, who joined the Gunners in 2004, to rather extend his stay at the club.

He told France Football: “I don't want Robin van Persie to be sold. Arsenal is a team that needs great footballers and leaders on the pitch.

“And Robin is a player that pushes his teammates to work more and do more during a match.

“It is a dream to play with him. He is the captain, the leader of the group, there is no doubt.

“I could see it from my very first day at the club. I believe when our adversaries see Robin in the team, it is a huge psychological shock.”

Van Persie has in recent months turned down any contract talks with Arsenal until the end of the season, citing that he wants to focus on his on-field performances only.

But if manager Arsene Wenger does not reinforce his side in the off season it might persuade Van Persie to follow in the footsteps of former star players like Cesc Febregas and Samir Nasri who departed for greener pastures.