Arsene Wenger unfazed by delay on new Robin van Persie deal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he is not worried that Robin van Persie is in no rush to sign a new deal at the club.

The 28-year-old Gunners captain, whose contract expires in 2013, has insisted he is "totally committed".

Wenger said: "If you give 100% until the last day of your contract, that is what I call commitment.

"For me it is not commitment to have a long contract. He knows that we are ready to talk about it [a new deal]."

The Dutch striker underlined his importance to the Gunners by grabbing both goals in Saturday's 2-1 win over Sunderland.

Van Persie, who has been at Arsenal for nearly seven years, used his pre-match programme notes to reassure fans that he was happy at the club despite not wanting to sign a longer deal.

He has been linked with a move to Manchester City, who also signed Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy from the London club during the summer.

Wenger added: "The most important thing is what you do on the pitch and how much you are committed to the cause as long as you are at the club.

"The ideal situation is that he extends his contract and if he doesn't you have to respect that. What is important is he plays how he plays.

"We are all eager to see special football players and he is a special football player."