Arsenal: Arsene Wenger Sets Deadline for New Robin Van Persie Contract

Speaking ahead of Saturday's crucial Premier League matchup against Chelsea, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said that Robin van Persie's contract will be taken care of following the season, Arseblog news reported on Friday.

"[The contract] will be sorted at the end of the season,” [Wenger] said. “Yes, it will be before the [European Championships].”

The news will come as a welcome relief to Arsenal fans, who have seen a slew of protracted transfer sagas play out in recent summers, with Samir Nasri's the latest in what seems to be a long line.

Nasri, who would have been out of contract after this season, sealed a move to Manchester City for £25 million in August, 2011.

Van Persie's own contract expires in 2013, but Wenger is resolved to not see a repeat occurrence of last summer's ordeal.

Also asked about the Dutchman's foray to the Barcelona hotel, where the team was staying ahead of their Champions League match against Chelsea and which was picked up by local news media, Wenger exuded calm and confidence.

“I am not concerned. After the game you can go to have dinner. He has got friends there. Affelay, Fabregas. Why shouldn’t he?”

It must be said that re-signing Van Persie appears a far more feasible task than that of Nasri's—something that augurs well as the summer months come upon us.

Should Van Persie have signed a new contract for Arsenal by the start of Euro 2012, a host of Arsenal fans will be able to breathe a heavy sigh of relief.

Van Persie will make his 50th appearance of the season, club and country combined, on Saturday against Chelsea. While Wenger admits that that is a heavy toll—for a striker especially—he does not believe it will affect his star's performance in the season's run-in. (Arsenal have four games remaining.)

"He is physically good," said Wenger. "He has a very healthy life, very focused on football; he takes care of everything. That's why he manages to do that. He is like Thierry Henry in that respect."

All good news for Arsenal fans, as they await what will be a massive test for their side on Saturday. A healthy Van Persie, playing at the level he did when the two sides last met back in October (he had a hat trick in a 5-3 victory at Stamford Bridge) will be a frightening sight for Chelsea to contain.