Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has said that he is extremely happy that the club was able to finish in the third position in the Premier league table, which will guarantee them automatic entry into the Champions League group stages without having to go through yet another round of matches.

This means that Arsenal have secured the 15th consecutive season in the Champions League, thus becoming only the third club to achieve this feat. It also crucially made that they will be able to retain star striker Robin van Persie who has scored almost 40 goals this season.

Talismanic Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie will be told that he will not be sold in the summer even if he doesn’t pen a new contract extension at the Emirates Stadium, it has been revealed.

The striker’s contract runs out at the end of next season, which means that he will be able to talk to possible suitors from January and walk out on Arsenal for nothing during next summer’s transfer window and Arsenal are ready to accept that.

French international Diaby has had a bust up with van Persie for giving away the possession during the end of the first half in a recent match. Van Persie felt the caution was needless and gave Diaby a dressing down at half-time, as he thought the lack of discipline could cost Arsenal in the second half.

It is rumoured that the Dutch striker blamed his side's recent concession of a four goal lead at Newcastle on Diaby after he was sent off for lashing out at Joey Barton. The pair had to be pulled apart by team-mates in the dressing room as they squared-up to each other.

The football betting markets now have Diaby as 7/2 to be leaving Arsenal at the end of the season.