Thierry Henry backs Arsenal to recover should Robin van Persie leave

Robin van Persie (GETTY IMAGES)

Thierry Henry insists Arsenal will overcome the loss of Robin van Persie should be leave the Gunners.

Boss Arsene Wenger is set to hold further talks with van Persie this week, but the Dutch striker is determined to leave Emirates Stadium.

Manchester City, Manchester United and Juventus are all interested in last season's top scorer in the Barclays Premier League.

Henry, whose highly-successful eight-year spell at Arsenal ended in 2007 and resumed with a loan stint in January, insists the club will cope if he leaves.

"We hope he stays and that's the way it is," the Frenchman told Sky Sports News.

"I don't know exactly what is happening but as an Arsenal fan I want him to stay.

"He is still an Arsenal player and the boss has to deal with it.

"I just want Arsenal to do well. Robin will do what he will do and we'll see.

"When I left, everybody cried, but then the year after they went on a run of being eight points ahead. Everyone comes and goes."

Henry insists Arsenal need England midfielder Jack Wilshere, who is recovering from ankle and knee problems, to recover as quickly as possible.

Wilshere is expected to return to action in October after spending the whole of last season on the treatment table.

"You want Jack Wilshere around. He reminds me of when I first arrived when the old guard was there," the New York Red Bulls striker said.

"He's an Arsenal fan in the first place and you need this type of player around in the dressing room.

"It's not only that he's an Arsenal fan, and not only an Englishman, but he's a good player, it's as simple as that.

"What a shame that he stopped a bit because he was on his way.

"I just wish him all the best that he can come back quick and wear the shirt he loves so much."

PA