Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has promised that captain Robin van Persie will stay at the club beyond this summer despite the Dutchman's refusal to sign a new contract.

Van Persie is set to resume talks between himself and The Gunners, with Netherlands having been knocked out of the European Championship at the group stage.

And Wenger believes that despite having not penned a new deal, Van Persie is certain to stay with Arsenal, and reject a move to Serie A.

Van Persie has yet to sign a new contract.

"He will stay at Arsenal," Wenger told the Italian newspaper La Repubblica.

"There is no reason why a top player, a big champion would want a move to Serie A - in terms of the prestige of the league, the level of play or financial considerations.

"If he moves there, I will buy you a caramello."

Wenger's promise is the strongest indication yet that Van Persie, who scored 30 Premier League goals last season, is set to stay in north London.

The 28 year old won the Professional Footballers' Association Players' Player of the Year and the Football Writers' Association Player of the Year awards last season after a sterling campaign in Arsenal's attack.

The club are keen to retain his services beyond this summer, with Van Persie's contract set to expire in 2013.

The Netherlands international is on the brink of entering the final year of his deal like both Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri did last summer, both of whom eventually moved to Manchester City.

Arsenal are likely to be stubborn in their attempts to keep Van Persie, willing to risk missing out on a substantial fee for the striker by keeping him for the new season regardless of whether he signs a new contract.

The club have been busy in bring attacking resources to the club in case of Van Persie's departure, with Lukas Podolski's move to The Emirates Stadium confirmed, while Olivier Giroud is reportedly on the brink of joining.

The club are yet to decide on the future of Andrey Arshavin, Nicklas Bendtner and Carlos Vela, who all spent last season on loan.

London