Times Online and PA
Star musicians and your favourite Times writers at the Albert Hall
Arsene Wenger is in no doubt he has a "world class" forward in Robin van Persie. The Arsenal manager has made it clear he intends to add at least two new players to his squad as he looks to ensure his young team can stay the championship course next season.
However, it is unlikely Wenger will look to strengthen a frontline which already boasts 30-goal leading scorer Emmanuel Adebayor and has seen Theo Walcott make solid progress. Add to those attacking options a fully fit Van Persie, a rehabilitated Eduardo da Silva - who broke his leg in February - as well as Nicklas Bendtner and Tomas Rosicky, and it is easy to see why the Arsenal manager feels he has plenty of choice going forward.
There is no doubt the absence of Van Persie with a string of niggling injuries was a major loss. The 24-year-old had started the campaign in fine form with seven goals in his first 11 games before being sidelined by knee and muscular problems, which would hamper him for the remainder of the season.
Wenger, though, believes the Dutchman - who returned to form with a couple of goals during the run-in and is set to feature at Euro 2008 this summer - can be a major player if his injury jinx does not strike again next season. "Robin is unfortunate with injuries at the moment, but in my opinion it is nothing more than that," the Arsenal manager said. "It is true that he has missed many, many games this year. We lost him and Eduardo at the same period and it was really bad luck because Eduardo had come on well too.
"You always hope that next season Robin will have an injury-free season. He has so much talent so I am very keen to keep him, I trust him and I hope that he will get rid of his injuries. For me, Robin van Persie is world class."
Wenger may have lost the services of out-of-contract Mathieu Flamini, who joined AC Milan, but he indicated he has plenty of cover already in central midfield and so will not seek out an intentional replacement.
Potential targets, though, could well include Hatem Ben Arfa, of Lyons, Valencia duo Carlos Marchena and Raul Albiol as well as Niko Kranjcar from Portsmouth, while it has been reported a number of English clubs, including Arsenal, are chasing Sporting Lisbon's Joao Moutinho.
The future of Alexander Hleb, meanwhile, remains the subject of speculation, with reports the player was ready to buy-out his freedom via the 'Webster clause'. However, despite his agent, Nikolai Shpilevski, claiming Hleb was "leaving Arsenal - there's no way back now", it appears their stance may now have softened - with Wenger continuing to stress the winger remained part of his plans and, more over, under contract.
Follow our three athletes' progress in their preparations for the London Triathlon, and pick up training tips and more
Enjoy screenings of all the classic films you love, plus take advantage of two-for-one tickets
We explore leisure activities that are safe and suitable for all of the family
Times Online's new TV show helps you make the right decisions for your pet
Read our exclusive 100 Years of Fleming and Bond interactive timeline, packed with original Times articles and reviews
The latest travel news plus the best hotels and gadgets for business travellers
Shortcuts to help you find sections and articles

The Fantasy Season starts here. Sign up to win

Find a course, arrange a game and save money



in The Sunday Times, Times and Times Online
£129,500
Bentley Edinburgh
£79,850
Mercedes-Benz of Northampton
£26,995
Unit 1, Woodfield Business Unit, Kidderminster Road, Ombersley, Worcester.
Great car insurance deals online
90k + Bonus + Options
Confidential
London
£23,716 +
Highways Agency
National
£
£43,405 - £48,228 pa
Notting Hill Housing
London
£30,000 base, £100,000 OTE
Riches Consulting
London/South
with annexe accommodation and 5.25 acres
£1,100,000
Beautiful Gardens w/ stunning Thames Views
Studios £33K, 1 Beds £60K, 2 beds £79K
Mortgages, bank acc & money transfers to help you buy abroad
Explore mystical Jordan
From £1030 for 7nts 4*
to USA's Most Cosmopolitan City; San Francisco!
£POA
Book Now for Winter 08/09 and Get 10% off!
Great travel insurance deals online
Contact our advertising team for advertising and sponsorship in Times Online, The Times and The Sunday Times. Search globrix.com to buy or rent UK property. Visit our classified services and find jobs, used cars, property or holidays. Use our dating service, read our births, marriages and deaths announcements, or place your advertisement.
Copyright 2008 Times Newspapers Ltd.
This service is provided on Times Newspapers' standard Terms and Conditions. Please read our Privacy Policy.To inquire about a licence to reproduce material from Times Online, The Times or The Sunday Times, click here.This website is published by a member of the News International Group. News International Limited, 1 Virginia St, London E98 1XY, is the holding company for the News International group and is registered in England No 81701. VAT number GB 243 8054 69.