WOJCIECH SZCZESNY is confident hitman Robin van Persie will stay at Arsenal beyond the current campaign.
The Dutch striker was again instrumental for the Gunners, scoring his 29th goal of the season, as they came from two goals behind to thrash arch-rivals Tottenham 5-2.
Despite having just a year left on his current deal, Van Persie has made it clear he will not discuss fresh terms until the summer.
But Szczesny believes his team-mate has every intention of extending his stay at the Emirates.
The 21-year-old said: "We are trying to make the most of it while he is here, he is a great captain and leader of the team and we are very pleased to have him.
"I'm personally confident that he will stay at Arsenal. That is where he belongs and that is where he is at his very best.
"Robin does his talking on the pitch by scoring all the goals for this club and I think that shows you his commitment."
Szczesny jokingly added: "He's not bad, is he? He only scored one goal against Spurs, though, which is really disappointing for him. We are used to him scoring a hat-trick.
"He is the best player in the Premier League and we are very pleased to have him."
Polish keeper Szczesny was seen celebrating Arsenal's fourth goal against Harry Redknapp's men with a somersault.
It was his first taste of victory in the North London derby having previously featured in two defeats and a draw.
And Arsenal's No1 ranked yesterday's win alongside last season's Champions League triumph against Barcelona at the Emirates.
Szczesny said: "It is comparable to that of beating Barcelona.
"It is a great feeling, probably one of the best I have ever had.
"Every single goal felt better than the previous one and I was celebrating quite energetically. But I loved it.
"It is the first time I have beaten Spurs and it is just great.
"It just shows you what we can do when we are on the front foot and we can really go for it.
"Hopefully, we can learn from that and repeat it all over again."