Arsenal hero Robert Pires feels Robin van Persie will sign a new contract.

There are fears that he will follow Samir Nasri, who left for Manchester City in the ­summer when he refused a new deal.

But Pires said: "I think he will stay. Why? He has status at Arsenal and he is highly ­regarded. But I also believe that Arsenal need to sign some ­important players next summer. That will help to keep him."