Robin van Persie has expressed his desire to leave Arsenal. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Transfer news: Midfielder discusses Premier League stars

Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has said he would be ‘delighted’ to see Robin van Persie stay at the Emirates and win trophies for the Gunners.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a move to Fabregas’s current side Barcelona while Manchester City are also said to be interested in the striker.

Van Persie’s contract is set to expire at the end of next season and talks about a new deal are ongoing between the player and the club.

And Fabregas, who left the Gunners to join the Catalan giants last August, believes the Dutchman will have success if he decides to stay at the Emirates.

“As a fan of Arsenal, nothing would make me happier if he became the first captain to lift a trophy in eight or however many years it is for them,” Fabregas said.

Barcelona have also been linked with Gareth Bale of north London neighbours Tottenham, with rumours of a bid upwards of £30million to come for the Welsh winger, who the Catalans could see as a replacement for Eric Abidal.

“He is a very powerful and very attacking player with an incredible explosion of pace but I think he is more a winger than a full-back,” Fabregas added.