Wenger had no choice, Vermaelen disappointed, RVP gone.

So it’s happened, Robin van Persie has finally left Arsenal.

After months of speculation, the Dutchman has opted to head up north and join up with Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United, in exchange for £24m altogether.

While we may have lost out best player, that is still a lot of money for someone with a track record like Van Persie who has just turned 29 and spent many a season in the treatment room.

It is a big loss, but Arsene Wenger doesn’t intend to replace the skipper, that job he says has already been done after signing Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud.

He also admits that he didn’t have any choice and was forced to sell the striker to our rivals.

"He is at Manchester United, unfortunately for us. The transfer was finalised in the afternoon," said Wenger whilst working for French TV station TF1.

"It's never great to lose players of that quality but he only had a year contract so we do not have a choice.

"We have already recruited since we bought (Olivier) Giroud and (Lukas) Podolski who originally were intended to offset the departure of van Persie," he concluded.

The man who is expected to replace Van Persie has also has his say on the matter. Thomas Vermaelen has revealed his disappointment with his former teammate.

“This is a surprise for me. Really a shock, I am very disappointed. I would have liked him to stay at the club, he was very important for us,” said Vermaelen.

“Ultimately it might be a good choice for him. It is what he wanted. I’m confident that we have enough qualities to cover.”

“I am disappointed because I wanted him to stay at the club.

“He was fantastic for us in the last year, scored lots of goals and I am disappointed he is going, but we have to focus on the next season with Arsenal.

“We have to fight and I am confident we have a squad to win something.”

“We start Saturday and this is all clear now, Robin is leaving and we have to move on.”

So, Vermaelen for captain? Let’s hope he isn’t on his way next season then.

Matt Cotton

@FindingCotton