Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has urged the club to break their wage structure to keep striker Robin van Persie at the club.

The Dutchman, who has scored 15 goals in the league this season, has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium following his reluctance to sign a new contract.

"Thierry Henry was on big money before he went, so they can do it, but it is all about the American backers," Parlour told talkSPORT. "Are they going to say we can do this or are they going to stick to the strict wage structure which every single player is happy with and we are not going to break that.

"I think they have to. He is such an important player for them and he's an Arsenal boy through and through.

"I just hope he stays and if it takes £130,000 or £140,000 a week then Arsenal have really got to think about giving it to him because he is such an important player for the future."

The Gunners travel to Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.