Robin van Persie believes it is
crucial for Arsene Wenger to keep his squad intact over the
summer.
Arsenal have gone without silverware for the past four seasons
and they have again been unable to mount a strong challenge for the
Premier League title.
Recent heavy defeats at the hands of Manchester United and
Chelsea have led to calls for a busy summer of transfer activity,
with Wenger encouraged to bring in some experienced players.
But Van Persie feels the Gunners can improve and close the gap
on their rivals, so long as nobody leaves Emirates Stadium before
the start of next term.
"The main thing for me is that we stay together," said the
Dutchman.
"If we lose three or four (players) every year it is hard to get
the spirit in. Hopefully we can stay here and have a real go at
it.
"If we can produce games like we did this year there is room for
improvement - if you look at our midfield it is between 20 and 22
(years old)."
Arsenal have spent less than the other top clubs over the last
few years and Van Persie thinks Wenger should be applauded for
bringing through young talent.
He said: "If you look at our squad and different teams, for
example Chelsea, Manchester United or Liverpool, what they cost and
what we have cost, that has something to do with it. We can be
proud of ourselves."