Stewart Robson has warned Arsenal they must sell Robin Van Persie as soon as possible in order to ensure a good start to the new season.
Arsene Wenger is refusing to discuss the Dutch striker’s future publicly as he tries to keep the disruption on his squad to a minimum.
Arsenal players were similarly distracted last season as they battled to retain the services of midfield duo Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.
The effect their departure had on the squad saw Arsenal lose four of their first seven games, and Robson is insistent Wenger must ship Van Persie out now to avoid a similar scenario this time around.
“Arsenal need to move on,” Robson told talkSPORT. “Robin Van Persie has got to go. You can’t keep him as club captain, you can’t keep him at all.
“Move him on, get some money for him and then reinvest in the team.”