As Robin van Persie headed for Switzerland yesterday to join his international team-mates, with a contract extension at Arsenal still to be agreed, Patrick Vieira said it was vital to his old club that they retained the Dutchman.

Negotiations between Robin van Persie and Arsenal this week produced no resolution on his new contract and it is believed the striker will wait until after Euro 2012 to see what offers he gets from other clubs.

Robin van Persie has underlined the importance of Arsenal securing Champions League football again and also to finish above north London rivals Tottenham.

Roberto Mancini, the Manchester City manager, is already preparing for the retention of a Premier League title by urging his board to avoid a repeat of the tortuous pursuit of players last summer and moving rapidly into the transfer market.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits securing third place in the Barclays Premier League was probably his most satisfying achievement in a campaign when people thought he was "absolutely mad" for believing in the squad.

Arsene Wenger will this week hold talks with Arsenal captain Robin van Persie over the striker's future after victory at West Brom secured Champions League football for next season.

West Brom 2 Arsenal 3

Italian champions Juventus have expressed an interest in signing Arsenal striker Robin van Persie this summer.

Euro 2012 kicks-off in just a matter of weeks and in anticipation The Independent will be running down the key factors and people to keep an eye on in Poland and Ukraine this summer.

Yossi Benayoun was plotting the perfect goodbye to Arsenal today as speculation mounted they were about to say hello to France midfielder Yann M'Vila.

Arsenal 3 Norwich City 3: Lacklustre hosts see grip on Champions' League berth loosened by Norwich

Arsenal 3 Norwich 3

Arsene Wenger remains confident Arsenal captain Robin van Persie will not be sold this summer.

Arsene Wenger has admitted Arsenal have been over-reliant on Robin van Persie this season.