Parlour: RVP exit big blow to Arsenal

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Arsenal hero Ray Parlour has described the sale of skipper Robin van Persie to Manchester United as "a big blow" to his former club.

On Wednesday night, United confirmed it had reached an agreement with Arsenal for the transfer of Van Persie - reported to be around £22.5 million - subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms.
The announcement ended weeks of speculation on the striker's future after he publicly stated his desire to leave the North London outfit.
The transfer fee is on the high side for a 29-year-old who was in the last year of his contract, but Van Persie's 37 goal haul last season for Arsenal has clearly convinced United to open up the cheque book.
And Parlour isn't convinced the decision to let Van Persie join one of Arsenal's main rivals for the Barclays Premier League title this season is a good thing despite the inflated transfer fee.
"It's been years since Arsenal sold a player to Manchester United," Parlour told talkSPORT.
"I think it 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."
Van Persie could face Everton in United's opening Premier League game at Goodison Park on Monday.