Robin van Persie
van Persie is going from strength to strength at Arsenal Reuters

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie's mother and wife feel that the 28-year-old should not leave the Gunners this summer.

The Dutchman's current contract at north London runs out in a year, while Manchester City, Real Madrid and Juventus have all been credited with an interest in him.

"Arsenal love him and that's a great incentive to stay. Arsenal are a fantastic club. They have no debts and Robin is idolised there," The Sun quoted van Persie's mother Jose as saying.

The striker's wife Bouchra also stated that she wants him to stay and repay the club's faith and that the couple's children were loving life in London.

"Arsenal showed faith in Robin when he was going through a lean time, so we should not repay them by thinking about other clubs. Our home life and our children are happy in London," ESPN quoted Bouchra.

Van Persie, who was the Premier League's topscorer last season with 30 goals, joined the Gunners from Feyenoord in the summer of 2004 for a fee of around £2.8mn.

Meanwhile, Arsenal youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain believes that he can shine for the national team under England's new boss Roy Hodgson.

The teenager was handed his Three Lions debut by Hodgson in the second half of England's 1-0 win over Norway in Oslo on Saturday.

"Roy lets you run at people and express yourself. He gives you the licence to do that in the right places. For people like me who like to go forward, that's really good. It's exciting to have a manager who lets you do those things," Daily Star quoted Oxlade-Chamberlain as saying.

"When I came on, I played behind Andy Carroll which was almost a new role for me, making runs in behind. I was almost playing up front. But wherever I get picked to play, I'll be honoured to do so. I'm not too fussy about where I play. I just go on and try to do my job in any position I'm playing. Obviously it's been a mad year for me all round and being selected by England was a massive thing," the 18-year-old added.

Oxlade-Chamberlain started 15 games for the Gunners last season, scoring four goals.