Arsenal Rocked By Robin Van Persie Transfer

Arsenal have yet again been hit by a major blow just days before the start of a Premier League season. Star player Robin van Persie has became their fourth captain in seven years to leave the club, following his departure to fierce rivals Manchester United. The news will be a kick in the teeth to Arsenal supporters who watch with dispair as another world class player jumps ship to another one of their Premier League title rivals.

Big name departures have become a reoccurring theme in recent years, with the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy all leaving last summer. RVP's importance at Arsenal during the last couple of seasons cannot be underestimated. The Dutchman has scored 48 top flight goals in 55 matches since the start of 2011, with 37 goals scored in all competitions last season.

Fans will now want to see manager Arsene Wenger use the £24m from the RVP transfer to lure in a top class player. Arsenal have already shown their intent by completing the signings of Olivier Giroud, Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla but you feel that it is vital that Wenger brings in another star name in order to boost Arsenal’s title hopes

Arsenal head into the new season looking to win their first trophy since the 2005 FA Cup. Wenger came under pressure at the beginning of the 2011/12 campaign and could experience more voices of discontent if his side get off to a poor start. In the end The Gunners recovered and finished in a respectable third place, something they may find difficult to repeat this season. Arsenal can be backed at 12/1 with Paddy Power to win the Premier League for the first time since 2004. They are also available at 8/1 to win the Capital One Cup and 8/1 to lift the FA Cup, while they have been handed outside odds of 25/1 to get their hands on the Champions League for the first time.