Robin van Persie can lead Arsenal to glory: Arsne Wenger

After experiencing a summer of painful upheaval, there is a reassurance for Arsenal to be gained from the identity of the new captain. Robin van Persie loves this club, hes attached to this club, Arsène Wenger said. Hes a technical leader on the pitch, and hes grown into a leader [off it]. The Dutchman strides out at the head of his team against Liverpool on Saturday lunchtime hoping to satisfy a support yearning for a talisman.The side need him more than ever at present. The sale of Cesc Fábregas, while long having felt inevitable, and the imminent departure of Samir Nasri have left Arsenal feeling fragile. World-class experienced talents are in relatively short supply at the Emirates these days, with a greater burden thrust upon Van Persie and his deputy, Thomas Vermaelen, to guide a team the manager still considers youthful through such awkward times. Those few older heads who remain must stand up and assume responsibility. The captain, for one, is eager to oblige.Van Persie was a picture of frustration at missing the Champions League play-off first-leg victory over Udinese through suspension, though the sense is that he will thrive wearing the armband. His slippery energy and burst of pace, allied with the whip of his left foot, have long terrorised opponents. A desire to emulate Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry and, before his time, Tony Adams may now draw even more from the 28-year-old. When you look at all those guys its a massive honour for me to join their line, he said. Everyone remembers them as captains and leaders. This makes me feel so proud.They have also been inspirations, a role Van Persie can surely fulfil with this team, though there is a fragility to this arrangement that could leave Arsenal shuddering in apprehension. After all, the Holland forward has two years to run on his basic contract, which could leave him next summer in the same position as Nasri now: entering the final 12 months of his deal with a potential Bosman move looming. The thought of revisiting the sorry saga whipped up around the Frenchman feels unthinkable, but is not out of the question. Darren Dein, Fábregass agent, has added the Dutchman to his client list. There would be no shortage of suitors.