Premier League legend Alan Shearer believes Arsenal talisman Robin Van Persie has proved his doubters wrong and must now be considered one of the finest strikers the competition has ever seen.

The Holland international is on the cusp of bettering Shearer's long standing record of 36 league goals in a calendar for Arsenal and due to his remarkable goal scoring feats over the last 12-months, the aforementioned Match of the Day pundit suggests the Arsenal star is worthy of being placed in the same bracket as the likes of Thierry Henry, Andy Cole, Dennis Bergkamp and Wayne Rooney amongst others.

Shearer, who remains the Premier League's all-time leading goal scorer, claims the Arsenal star is every bit his equal as well as those aforementioned and suggests any lingering doubts over his ability to last the rigours of a season have been put to rest.

"I would put Robin van Persie right up with the best." Shearer told the Sun while discussing the aforementioned Arsenal star's stellar calendar year. 

Shearer believes the Arsenal captain has finally ended any debate about his undoubted pedigree because the Dutchman appears to be finally over the perpetual injury problems that have plagued his Emirates career.

"We have always known he was a top player." Shearer said of the prolific Arsenal star.

"There have been nagging doubts in the past about his fitness and his ability to play a long spell of games (for Arsenal) without interruption.

"He has put that right over the last year and proved beyond doubt he is up there with the world's best." Shearer said. "Van Persie can score goals any way you like. He puts away headers, tap-ins and rockets for Arsenal.

"The volley which won the game against Everton last Saturday was, I suppose, a definitive strike by the in-form Arsenal man."

The Arsenal talisman has four games left this year, against Manchester City, Aston Villa, Wolves and QPR, to better Shearer's long standing goals tally.

The Premier League's greatest ever goal scorer believes Arsenal star Robin Van Persie deserves to be considered amongst the finest strikers the division has ever seen.

Arsenal's Dennis Bergkamp (R) is challenged by Fulham's Steed Malbranque during their English Premier League soccer match at Highbury, London, August 24, 2005.

Arsenal's Thierry Henry (L) controls the ball as David Bentley of Blackburn Rovers looks on during their FA Cup fifth round soccer match at the Emirates Stadium in London February 17, 2007. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh

Arsenal's Robin Van Persie celebrates his goal against Everton during their English Premier League soccer match at the Emirates Stadium in London.

Arsenal's Dennis Bergkamp is lifted up by team-mate Thierry henry (R) and former team-mate Patrick Viera (L) following a pre-season friendly testimonial match against Ajax at the Emirates Stadium in London July 22 2006.

Arsenal's Thierry Henry applauds after defeating Hamburg during their Champions League Group G soccer match at the Emirates Stadium in London in this November 21, 2006 file photograph. Arsenal announced on June 23, 2007 they had reached an agreement with Barcelona for the transfer of France striker and club captain Thierry Henry.

Arsenal goalkeper Wojciech Szczesny kisses Robin Van Persie's left boot after winning their English Premier League soccer match against Everton in London.

Manchester United's Rooney shoots to score his second goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers during their English Premier League soccer match in Manchester.

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Arsenal's Robin Van Persie (R) celebrates his first goal against Norwich City during their English Premier League soccer match at Carrow Road in Norwich November 19, 2011.

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Robin van Persie

Robin van Persie hides behind the goal after scoring against Borussia Dortmund.

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Van Persie celebrates his ton.

Wayne Rooney scored a memorable goal the last time United met City at Old Trafford.