Robin van Persiecould make his Manchester United debut against Everton. Photo: Nigel French/EMPICS Sport

Paul Merson insists that the Gunners must do all they can to keep Robin van Persie

Arsenal great Paul Merson believes that the Gunners must do all they can to keep Robin van Persie and that includes changing their wage structure.

The Dutchman announced that he would not be signing a new deal and the news threatens a repeat of last summer where Cesc Fabrgegas left for Barcelona as well as Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy left for Manchester City.

“Arsenal need to change their wage structure if they want to live with the big boys and keep their players,” Merson, who played for the Gunners between 1982 and 1997, told Sky Sports News.

“They need to say ‘Van Persie’s our best player - give him what he wants’ and go from there but they don’t do that at Arsenal; there are not many players on a lot less than someone else.

“I wouldn’t say I blame (Van Persie) because I went to Middlesbrough when the money was unbelievable but at the same time not many players leave Arsenal and don’t regret it. It’s an unbelievable club - the way it’s run, everything’s done for you. It’s perfect.”