Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein believes Robin van Persie will leave the club this summer, but insists the club will do "all they can" to keep him.
Van Persie is out of contract in twelve months time and last week rocked the club by announcing he does not plan to sign a new deal at the Emirates Stadium.
The 28-year old has been linked with a number of clubs from across Europe including Serie A champions Juventus and Premier League champions Manchester City, along with the likes of AC Milan, Barcelona, Manchester United, and Real Madrid.
And Dein has called for Arsenal to resolve the Dutchman's future quickly to avoid losing him on a free transfer at the end of next season.
"He has had such a wonderful season and he's been there eight years," he told reporters.
"He's the club captain, he means a lot to the club and to the fans.
"Once a player comes out and says something like that it's normally the prelude to a departure. But no doubt they will do all they can to try and keep him and make sure he sees out his last year.
"All I would hope, for the stability of the club, is whether he stays or whether he goes, it happens quickly. You don't want to see what happened last year when you had Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas stringing it out.
"Clubs this week are going back for pre-season training. You want to have a settled squad. I hope that whatever happens with Robin, it happens quickly."