“We took Van Persie when he played in the reserve team at Feyenoord. We made a long work with him. When you get them there and, after they leave, that is the most painful.”
'They have accepted' – Wenger confirms new signing will arrive at Emirates in January
Arsene Wenger does not think that the loss of Alexis Sanchez will cause the Gunners faithful as much upset as when Robin Van Persie left the Emirates in 2012, and confirmed that the January business would “not be one-way traffic”.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Telegraph, Wenger thinks that the transfer of Alexis Sanchez will be a lot smoother due to the potential incoming of Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
“Our fans know Alexis will not extend – they have accepted that idea and the fact it will not be one-way traffic,
“It will be other-way traffic as well and that makes the whole thing a bit smoother, maybe a bit less disappointing.”
Mkhitaryan will make a fine replacement for Sanchez, should a deal be finalised, and although he has not hit the heights he did in the Bundesliga, he is still an eager attacking threat.
The Armenian was the Bundesliga player of the season before he moved to United, recording a league high assists tally – evidencing his quality.
Wenger reveals that it hurt him a lot more to see Robin Van Persie leave back in 2012,
The Netherland’s international also joined Manchester United from the Emirates, causing a fan backlash at Wenger’s poor transfer business.
In other Arsenal news, it has been reported that Arsenal are out of the race to sign this Brazillian forward.
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