Fabregas, Van Persie, Arsenal
Manchester United are trying to reunite Cesc Fabregas with his former Arsenal teammate Robin van Persie at Old Trafford. Reuters
Fabregas has advised Arsenal to keep a hold of Van Persie. Picture - Reuters.

Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has warned Arsenal against losing their current skipper and in-form striker Robin van Persie.

The Dutchman has lifted the Gunners from an tough start to the season, which had much to do with the departure of Fabregas to Barcelona along with Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy to Man City. A scoring streak of 29 goals in 28 games has made Van Persie an indispensable force at the London side.

However, with his great form has come numerous links with top sides across Europe, including Real Madrid and Inter Milan. Arsenal hopes rest on the Dutchman, and much will depend on whether they can hold on to him - something Fabregas knows all too well about.

I don't know if they will keep him, said Fabregas. It is his decision. At his age, if he wants to move, it will be his last chance and it he wants to stay he will stay and retire at Arsenal.

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. For me, he is the role model of Arsenal, the star player and they cannot afford to lose him.

He is having an amazing season and hopefully he will be fit for the whole season. Unfortunately, when I was there, he never enjoyed a whole season and it was one of the things I regret a little bit.

I hope he can keep going like that. Could he come to Barcelona? He would fit in anywhere but I'm an Arsenal fan and I want him to stay at Arsenal.

At the moment, Van Persie's contract talks with Arsenal have stalled and the club have confirmed contract negotiations will only resume closer to the end of the Premier League season.

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