Wenger: I cannot stop Van Persie talk

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is confident star striker Robin van Persie will not be swayed by speculation regarding his future with the club.

The Arsenal captain has been in excellent form this season, scoring 32 goals in all competitions and 25 in the Premier League alone.

The Netherlands international’s contract is set to expire at the end of the 2012/13 season, with question marks surrounding whether or not he will extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini recently suggested that his club – and a host of others – would be interested in securing the striker’s services.

Mancini said he felt Van Persie will stay at Arsenal, however, and Wenger is adamant his star man is fully focused on his performances on the pitch, rather than what is being said off it.

“I cannot stop that (others talking about Van Persie),” Wenger said. “In an ideal world, maybe, but it doesn’t bother me too much.”

“Robin is the leader of our club and I would just like to specify that he is not at the end of his contract. He is under contract until 2013. So do your job, focus on your job which he does very well and enjoy your games.”

“At our level we are professional people.”

“I believe if you are to have one quality it is not to be unsettled because what is said of you by other clubs is part of the job.”

“What is important is how much you want to win the next game and all the rest is basically not important.”