If Arsenal had kept Van Persie...

It still seems strange; Robin van Persie in a Manchester United shirt. After seeing him for eight years at Arsenal, that is little surprise.

It will be a source of frustration to Arsenal fans, even if they don't admit it, not to have been given the chance to see Cazorla and Van Persie link up.

Think back to the opening day of the season, when the Spaniard threaded a through ball to Olivier Giroud, who missed the target.

'Van Persie wouldn't have missed that.' - Was the cry from observers.

The striker has nine goals already for Manchester United, compared to Giroud's two for Arsenal. There is no denying Giroud is a very good player, yet to really make his mark at the Emirates, but with Van Persie, it's hard to argue they would not look even better.

The true detailed account of what went on in the talks between Wenger, Van Persie and Gazidis may never emerge, which led to the striker questioning the club's ambition.

What was clear was that by time Arsenal pulled off the genius signing of Cazorla, his mind was already made up, and he did not have the will to perform a U-turn akin to his new teammate Wayne Rooney.

For fans the point may be moot. Arsenall Football Club have moved on. They are moving in a new direction, together, with players who have the desire to play for the club, and importantly the talent.

More fool Van Persie if he didn't want to be a part of it. Because when you look at the strength of Arsenal's midfield, it is better than that of Manchester United.

We may be wrong on this one, but the Dutchman may just have had as much, or even a greater chance of winning the league had he stayed at Arsenal, rather than moved on.

It's just a shame for supporters that his lack of loyalty meant they were denied the chance to see the Footballer of the Year, link up with their world class midfield, and have just one crack at winning the league title at least.

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