The Dutch front man has been all class in season 2011-12, netting 26 Premier League goals to help Arsenal fight back from a poor start to the season to be clear third and staring at Champions League action next year.

And Petit believes the club need to repay van Persie's efforts by keeping hold of third spot on the table, to lure the Netherlands international into staying at the Emirates Stadium.

"My main worry will be, I hope Arsenal won't let him (van Persie) go at the end of the season, because he is a class player, an international player. And since he's far from injuries, he can show his full potential. And he is magnificent," Petit said.

"That's why I pray for Arsenal fans and for Arsenal that he will stay with Arsenal. But that depends on qualification for the Champions League. It depends as well on the ambition that Arsene (Wenger) will show to van Persie to stay at the club."

Arsenal fans will be hoping to avoid a repeat of last summer's clearout, when prized assets Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri both pursued a career away from the Emirates.

And although van Persie has spent eight years at the club, Petit said that attachment counts for nothing when a player has his sights set on silverware.

"I think for van Persie, with his talent and what he has shown this season, it will be a shame for him if he cannot win a single title during his career. I think he has to think about it very carefully," the former France midfielder said.