Robin van Persiecould make his Manchester United debut against Everton. Photo: Nigel French/EMPICS Sport

Paul Merson believes the Dutchman is making a poor decision

Former Arsenal man Paul Merson believes that Robin van Persie will regret leaving the Emirates if he chooses to depart.

The Gunners striker, who has a year left on his current deal, announced that he would not be signing a new contract at the north London club much to the dismay of many Gunners fans.

“Not many players leave Arsenal, very rarely, and don’t regret it. It’s an unbelievable club,” Merson told Sky Sports News.

“It’s perfect. I’d have liked him to stick it out.

“I’m a bit gutted really. He’s burnt his bridges. If he comes back and they don’t sell him the fans are going to slaughter him.

“They’ll be devastated. He’s a top-drawer player. World class.”

Van Persie scored 37 goals in all competitions for the Gunners last season and it had been hoped that the signings of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud would encourage the Dutchman to stay.