Arsenal legend: Gunners can cope without Man City and Man Utd target

Tuesday, July 31, 2012
8:39 AM

Transfer news: Martin Keown thinks that the squad is stronger to deal with the loss of thir star man than they were when Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas left

Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes that the Gunners squad will be able to cope if Robin van Persie leaves the club.

The Dutchman has been linked with Manchester City and Manchester United after announcing that he would not sign a new deal at the north Londoners despite it expiring next year.

“At least Van Persie has come out early and declared that he wants to leave.

“Last year when it was Nasri and Fabregas it impacted so much on the group that when they were seven games in it was like a relegation fight.

“And I think this round this won’t happen if van Persie goes.

“I think the squad is stronger both mentally and in quality.”