Robin van Persie is set to become a Manchester United player

George Graham has called on Arsenal to sell Robin van Persie and admit to the fans that they can’t match their rivals’ ambition

George Graham has told Arsenal they must sell their wantaway captain Robin van Persie and accept that they cannot compete with Man City, Chelsea and Man Utd’s financial ambitions.

Graham, who managed Arsenal between 1986 and 1995, says another protracted transfer saga like that of Cesc Fabregas last season could be harmful to the Gunners.

“You have to sell Van Persie and move on, and Arsenal need to tell everybody that they can’t compete on the financial aspect, that they can’t compete with Chelsea, Manchester City, even Manchester United,” he told ESPN.

“If the club have to sell their top player they also have to tell their fans it has to be done this way. Last year it dragged on with [Cesc] Fabregas and players were brought in late and Arsenal had a bad start, culminating with an eight-goal hammering at Old Trafford.

“Van Persie knows he can get a better offer elsewhere but it’s not just about an offer it is about winning trophies and Arsenal haven’t won a trophy for five or six years and that comes into the equation, whether the club are ambitious enough,” he added.