Arsenal attacker Gervinho is hoping that the club are able to keep hold of captain Robin van Persie in the summer.

Van Persie, who has scored 22 goals this season, will be out of contract at the Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2013.

That has led to speculation linking him with a transfer to a number of clubs, including Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

However, Ivorian international Gervinho has insisted that the club must do all they can to ensure that the skipper stays put.

"I don't want Robin van Persie to be sold. Arsenal is a team that needs great footballers and leaders on the pitch," Gervinho told France Football. "And Robin is a player that pushes his teammates to work more and do more during a match.

"It is a dream to play with him. He is the captain, the leader of the group, there is no doubt.

"I could see it from my very first day at the club. I believe when our adversaries see Robin in the team, it is a huge psychological shock."

Gervinho recently missed a crucial penalty during the African Cup of Nations final.