THEIRRY HENRY is convinced Arsenal can weather the storm if Robin van Persie quits – and he's backing the Gunners to remain a Premier League powerhouse.

Boss Arsene Wenger is set to hold further talks with van Persie this week, but the Dutch striker is determined to leave the Emirates Stadium.

Manchester City, Manchester United and Juventus are all interested in landing last season's top scorer in the Barclays Premier League.

But Henry, whose highly- successful eight-year spell at Arsenal ended in 2007 and resumed with a loan stint in January, insists the club will cope if he leaves.

"We hope he stays and that's the way it is," said the Frenchman. "As an Arsenal fan I want him to stay.

"He is still an Arsenal player and the boss has to deal with it. I just want Arsenal to do well. Robin will do what he will do and we'll see.

"When I left, everybody cried, but then the year after they went on a run of being eight points ahead. Everyone comes and goes."

Henry is also adamant Arsenal need England midfielder Jack Wilshere, who is recovering from ankle and knee problems, to recover as quickly as possible.

Wilshere is expected to return to action in October after spending the whole of last season on the treatment table.

lEverton have bolstered their midfield by re-signing Steven Pienaar from Tottenham for £4.5million on a four-year deal.

Pienaar left Goodison for Spurs in January 2011, but failed to make an impression under then-boss Harry Redknapp and spent the second half of last season back at Everton on loan.

It proved to be an inspired move, with Pienaar playing a key role as Davie Moyes' side finished seventh in the Barclays Premier League.