"Arsenal" coach A. Wenger hopes to keep R. van Persie © EuroFootball.com

London's "Arsenal" coach Arsene Wenger is making every effort to keep the productive forward Robin van Persie in the club.

The Dutchman had already appeared in a friendly match against "Cologne", though he started on the bench with Olivier Giroud.

"I have no news about Robin. Our fans want him to stay in the club, so it's easy to understand their joy. I have nothing more to say, because I don't like to lie. He is an 'Arsenal' player, that's it," said the coach.

"Who wouldn't want to keep the best player in the team, who scored 30 goals last year?" Wenger added.