Arsene Wenger hopes to tie up the long-term future of Arsenal captain Robin van Persie before the Dutchman heads off to UEFA EURO 2012.

Netherlands striker Van Persie has remained free of injury to plunder 34 goals, which have almost single-handedly fired the Gunners back into the top four of the Premier League, and is set to make his 50th appearance of the season for club and country against Chelsea.

The 28-year-old's current contract expires in 2013 and Van Persie is happy to leave talks until the end of the season. However, Wenger revealed he wanted a resolution before his captain went to join up with the Netherlands squad at a training camp in Switzerland on 17 May, just 72 hours after their final Premier League game, at West Bromwich Albion.

Asked about Van Persie's contract situation, Wenger said: "That will be sorted at the end of the season." Pressed on whether the resolution would be before the European Championships, Wenger replied: "Yes."

Van Persie is expected to be crowned PFA Player of the Year at a gala dinner on Sunday night, which could well be followed up by the prestigious Football Writers' Association accolade.

Wenger is in no doubt about the impact of his captain on the Gunners' campaign, which at one stage looked very much in crisis. While Van Persie has netted just once in his last six Arsenal appearances, Wenger rejected suggestions the Dutchman was burnt out.

"When you play 50 games at that level you suffer a little bit," he said. "It is beyond expectation and for a striker it is massive. Physically, Robin is good. He has a very healthy life very focused on football - he takes care of everything. That is why he manages to do that."