Former Arsenal midfielder Stewart Robson has insisted that he doesn't think Robin van Persie will go back on his word that he wants to leave the club.

The Dutchman announced earlier this month that he doesn't intend to extend his current contract with the Gunners.

Manchester City, Manchester United and Juventus are all thought to be keen admirers of the Arsenal captain, and Robson can't see the player changing his mind.

"I can't see it being like Rooney. He wasn't so blatant in his words as Van Persie was. He's stated he won't sign a new contract, so with a year left Arsenal should sell him," Robson told talkSPORT.

"This is an important time to get your team right. They can't play with Van Persie in pre-season and then on the eve of the season find he's going. Where are Giroud and Podolski going to play? You have to practice with them.

"And if you don't want to play at a club, the other players will want you out. They want to know who will be playing , how they'll be playing, who'll be up front. So let's get that sorted out.

"It would be good if Van Persie goes as soon as possible and Arsenal can get in a lot of money. They can spend that money and then they'd have a good chance of maybe getting back to that top spot again."

Van Persie scored 37 goals in all competitions for Arsenal last season.