Arsenal can't lose van Persie

Cesc Fabregas London - Arabstoday Cesc Fabregas insists Arsenal cannot afford to lose Robin van Persie. Van Persie, who has scored 13 goals for Arsene Wenger's side this term, has just 18 months to run on his contract. And although the Dutchman is adamant he will remain loyal to Arsenal and pen a new deal, his refusal to discuss a new contract until the end of the season has led to fears he will become the next star name to quit the Emirates. Former Arsenal captain Fabregas forced through a £35million move to join boyhood club Barcelona in the summer, while Samir Nasri joined mega-rich Manchester City shortly before the transfer window slammed shut in August. And despite insisting Wenger must do everything in his power to keep hold of his captain, Fabregas, who came on off the bench for Spain in the 1-0 defeat by England on Saturday, has also urged Van Persie to consider his options before putting pen-to-paper with the north London club. 'At his age, if he wants to move it will be his last chance and if he wants to stay he will stay and retire at Arsenal,' said Fabregas. 'He is the role model of Arsenal, the star player and they cannot afford to lose him. 'I don't know if they will keep him. 'We will see what he decides but he's been very loyal to Arsenal for a few years. He is a key player, the fans love him.' Van Persie has been on fire for the Gunners this season, leading some to suggest that Wenger's side have become a one-man team. And Fabregas admitted: 'He is having an amazing season. Hopefully he will be fit for the whole season. 'Unfortunately when I was there, he never enjoyed a whole season without injury.' Man City and Inter Milan are among a host of clubs monitoring Van Persie's situation, and club insiders fear Wenger will be forced to fend off a number of offers in January. The Gunners want the 28-year-old to commit to a new long-term deal, with his current agreement due to expire in June 2013, but the player does not want to discuss the matter until the summer.