ARSENE Wenger is keeping surprisingly cool – publicly at least – about Robin van Persie’s contract situation.

After losing Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri in the summer, the Arsenal boss can ill afford to lose his only remaining world-class star.

But that is the situation he will find himself in again if he doesn’t get Van Persie to extend his current deal, which only has 18 months to run.

Gunners fans will have been relieved to hear the Holland international – Fabregas’s replacement as captain – express his wholehearted commitment to the club and then confirm his status as one of the Premiership’s leading lights with both goals in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Sunderland.

But Wenger didn’t appear to be unduly worried that, unless he gets his skipper tied down to a more secure deal, he could be left to run down his contract.

“I’m not asking myself whether Van Persie is going to extend his contract in 18 months’ time,” he said. “For me what is important is that he plays well for us in the next match.

“He’s scored 28 goals in 34 games, so they’re exceptional statistics. He’s got a contract.” But for how long?