I don’t want Van to hit the road

But Szczesny insists Arsenal are stronger than last year

TOP GUNS ... Szczesny believes Arsenal are stronger than last year

WOJCIECH SZCZESNY admits he will be disappointed if Robin Van Persie leaves Arsenal — but insists the squad is stronger than 12 months ago.

Skipper Van Persie will have yet another round of talks with boss Arsene Wenger this week as he looks for a move.

Arsenal will not listen to offers of less than £20million from Manchester City, Juventus or Manchester United and Wenger could still force Van Persie to see out the final year of his contract.

But Szczesny believes the Gunners are in a better place than last summer as they have already captured Lukas Podolski for £11m and Montepellier striker Olivier Giroud for £12.8m.

The Polish keeper said: “No-one’s left the club at the moment. We have new signings, we’re stronger defensively, so we’re in a better position.

“It will be disappointing if he leaves because Robin is our captain and he’s our leader. I’m very happy to have him at the club. He’s still an Arsenal player and we support him all the way. There’s nothing else to talk about.

“It was a bit different last year because we all knew Samir (Nasri) and Cesc (Fabregas) would be leaving but now we believe in the squad more, we’re more confident that the players we have are good enough to play for this club and challenge for trophies.

“I believe the squad is stronger than at this point last year and we are sure of our place in the Champions League. At the beginning for pre-season last year everyone was saying it was doom and gloom with everyone leaving the club.”