Roberts behind Samba stay

Jason Roberts has thrown his weight fully behind a Chris Samba stay despite admitting he can see the lure of Champions League football with the Gunners.

Arsenal have long been linked with a move for a hulking, massive centre half and the Rovers captain fits the bill.

But despite the media being strongly behind the move, Roberts believes that the club will do everything it can to keep the Kong of the Congo at the club.

Roberts told Sky Sports News - 'There's no doubt Chris Samba has done well for the football club and he signed a new contract recently.

'I'm sure the club will do everything in their power to keep him, but Arsenal's a big challenge and a big club and you would understand if he wants to go and play Champions League football as much as it would be an issue for us.

'I'm sure we're going to work hard to keep him. It's a big draw.

'I think, at every level, Chris Samba has exceeded expectations and he came here on trial and no-one knew who he was.

'Five years later you're talking about him having interest from a club like Arsenal, so I think with any situation he can rise to it, and I'm sure he would add to what they have.

'But, first and foremost, as his team-mate I'm hopeful that he will stay.'

Problems with Arsenal not wanting to pay £12 million means that the Gunners may look elsewhere for better value.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.