JASON Roberts believes Blackburn Rovers can keep hold of skipper Chris Samba - but admits he isn’t surprised the giant defender is attracting the attention of the Premier League elite.

Samba is understood to be wanted by both Tottenham and Arsenal this summer as the uncertainty over his Ewood Park future refuses to go away.

Rovers boss Steve Kean has already insisted the club don’t need to sell Samba, with a healthy transfer pot already assured, as the club do their best to hang on to their prized asset.

Samba, 27, has though stated his desire to leave Rovers if a big club comes calling as Rovers fans fear a second major departure this summer.

His Rovers team mate Roberts, said: “"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 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."