29th March, 2012
Gervinho insists Arsenal cannot afford to lose Robin van Persie this summer.
Dutch striker Van Persie has been in lethal form for the Gunners this season, scoring 33 goals in all competitions.
However, the hotshot’s contract is up at the end of next season with big bucks Manchester City heading the queue of clubs ready to take advantage this summer.
Gervinho believes Arsenal should do all it can to resist bids and hang onto their prized asset.
The Ivory Coast star said: “The standout player for me this year has been Robin van Persie.
“You can see his class with his finishing, how he leads the group, and with his experience.
“He is a player who has grown in to the role of captain and is the sort of player you need during the hard times.”
Arsenal have not won a trophy since 2005 but Gervinho reckons the good times aren’t too far away from returning to the Emirates, such is the quality of Arsene Wenger’s squad.
Gervinho said: “We can still win lots of trophies and we can do great things in the future. We have a bright future because this is a good club.
“We are all still young, we have got some good players here, a good group.