Source: Telegraph
Robin van Persie best striker in Premier League says Arsenal's Arsene Wenger
Van Persie is among the top five forwards in the league both in terms of goalscoring and assists and, according to Wenger, it is his creativity for others that sets him apart. [LNB]'For me Robin is the best striker in the league at the moment because he is a great link player and that's what I like first,' he said. 'We play a collective game so it's very important that the target man in our team links well with our players. [LNB] Related ArticlesWolves v Arsenal: match previewStan Kroenke gains support for Arsenal takeoverStan Kroenke keeps Arsenal fans guessingCesc Fàbregas keeps focused on success'Everybody knows the movement of each other and he has adapted to our style and is suited to our style, like Didier Drogba is suited to the Chelsea style.' [LNB]Asked if this was his best Arsenal side, Wenger said: 'The ingredients are there to be positive but we will judge that at the end of the season. We can score goals from everywhere and we are a bit more versatile offensively.' [LNB]Wenger is also concerned that other clubs have approached Fran Merida, his Spain U21 international midfielder, at the same time as negotiations are ongoing over a new contract. [LNB]However, there is confidence that Merida will extend his contract, something that will directly enhance his chances of breaking into the first-team. [LNB]'He has an offer that he has agreed and he has not signed yet,' said Wenger. [LNB]'Some clubs are doing work behind our back to destabilise him. I can't say I'm annoyed by other clubs going after our players because we do it as well. But we do it legally. [LNB]'Fran Merida is at the end of his contract at the end of the season. We know as well that means he could be contacted (by others clubs) on Jan 1 2010 but we are not naïve enough to believe that will happen at midnight on January 1. [LNB]'We make room for the players we sign on longer term and as long as they do not commit we do not plan to make room for them. I think it's massive for us that he's signing a new deal. I believe he's an outstanding player. He has technical quality and he's a man on the football pitch. Despite his size he's ready for a fight.' [LNB]
