Arsenal striker Gervinho admits playing alongside Robin van Persie is "a dream" and he hopes his captain stays at the club.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City are all believed to be keen on signing Van Persie, who has less than eighteen months left on his existing contract at Emirates Stadium and is unwilling to discuss a new deal until the end of the season at the earliest.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger knows he faces the prospect of being forced to sell the Netherlands international in the summer unless a new deal is agreed, in order to avoid losing him for free next year.
And Gervinho is hopeful that the 28-year-old will extend his stay at the club.
"I don't want Robin van Persie to be sold," he told France Football.
"Arsenal is a team that needs great footballers and leaders on the pitch.
"And Robin is a player that pushes his team-mates to work more and do more during a match.
"It is a dream to play with him. He is the captain, the leader of the group, there is no doubt.
"I could see it from my very first day at the club. I believe when our adversaries see Robin in the team, it is a huge psychological shock."
