Ray Parlour: Losing Van Persie is a big blow for Arsenal

16/08/2012 9:28:00 AM

Arsene Wenger is selling his captain for the fourth time in seven years, and the former player believes strengthening a "massive rival" is a negative heading into the new season

Ray Parlour believes the imminent departure of captain Robin van Persie to Manchester United is a "big blow" for Arsenal.

It was announced on Wednesday that the Premier League pair has reached an agreement over the fee for the striker, with the player set to travel to Manchester on Thursday to complete a medical.

The transfer will see Arsenal lose their captain for the fourth time in seven years, joining the likes of Patrick Viera, Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas out of the door, and Ray Parlour believes the latest departure is a “big blow” for his former side.

He told talkSPORT: “It’s been years since Arsenal sold a player to Manchester United. I think [the last] was Frank Stapleton [in 1981].

“They were always our massive rivals and I know we sold a lot of players to Manchester City but Manchester United were always our rivals and we didn’t want to help them.

“It’s a big blow for Arsenal but I’m just hoping with the money they receive from the transfer that Arsene Wenger has got a replacement in mind.”

Wenger has already been very busy in the transfer market ahead of this latest development, bringing in striking duo Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud from Koln and Montpellier respectively.

Inside Goal.Com

Ancelotti’s departure leaves PSG in a pickle
With the Italian bound for Spain, the Ligue 1 champions face an uncertain immediate future
The top-30 EAFF clubs: Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Goal Asia will list its top-30 EAFF clubs, featuring the heavyweights of Japan, China, Australia, South Korea and Hong Kong. This time, it is Sanfrecce Hiroshima who are the focus
Soulless EPL must face up to grim reality
After a season marred by controversy and a failure of its top teams to put up a credible Champions League challenge, the world's supposed best league is falling behind
In Off the Post Podcast: Merrick makes return
The team from Goal Australia and Sportal take you through all the big news in football, including Ernie Merrick's A-League return and the forthcoming Champions League final
Who is the greatest Champions League striker ever?
Enter our competition now and you will be in with a chance of winning one of four replica football shirts. Simply pick your favourite and subscribe to our YouTube channel