Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has said that he has considered resting striker Robin van Persie.

The Dutchman, who scored his 16th goal in 17 games against Aston Villa this week, is on the verge of breaking Alan Shearer's Premier League record of 36 league goals scored in 12 months.

However, the Frenchman insists that he has given serious thought to sitting his leading goalscorer.

"[Van Persie] keeps going," he told the club's official website. "Of course you always have that question when he plays against Manchester City and then again with that intensity, do I rest him?

"At the moment he feels alright so I just take a gamble.

"Now we have a little breather to prepare for our home game and let's hope we can win then."

The Gunners are currently in fifth place in the Premier League on 32 points.