Jorge Valdano: 'Barcelona need Robin Van Persie'

Former Real Madrid director Jorge Valdano believes that Barcelona need Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie more than his ex-employers.

Van Persie, 28, has long been linked with a move to Spain, with his contract with the Gunners due to expire in 2013.

The Dutch international has scored 22 league goals already this season, but Valdano has stated that Madrid already have the "perfect squad".

"Van Persie is needed more at Barcelona than at Real Madrid in my opinion. Madrid are already pretty close to having perfect squad," Valdano told El Larguero.

Van Persie joined Arsenal from Feyenoord in 2004.