Former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira has stressed the importance of keeping striker Robin Van Persie at the club.

The Dutchman has enjoyed a memorable season at the Emirates, scoring 37 goals in 48 games for the Gunners and being named the PFA Player of the Year.

However, Van Persie only has one year left on his current Arsenal deal and reports have suggested that he is considering leaving the club this summer.

Vieira, who is now Football Development Executive at one of the forward's potential suitors, Manchester City, has admitted his surprise at how Arsenal have let his contract wind down and believes that losing their captain could have serious implications on the future of other key players.

"I'm quite surprised his contract (which is entering its last year) has got to this stage. They should have settled this a long time ago," he said.

"If they lose Van Persie it will be a drama. With Samir and Cesc you could say, 'OK those two are gone, but there is Jack Wilshere and Van Persie still at the club'. But if Robin leaves who is behind?

"If he leaves it's going to be difficult for Arsenal to keep the top players, next year it may be Theo Walcott, then Jack Wilshere. But if they keep Robin they're going to send a positive message to all the clubs and to all the people around. It's really important to keep him."

City and local rivals Manchester United have both been linked with a transfer for Van Persie.