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SINGAPORE. — Arsene Wenger is stunned Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has ditched Robin van Persie. The Arsenal boss sold the Dutch striker to Old Trafford in a surprise £24 million deal three years ago – and van Persie’s 26 goals immediately led United to an historic 20th League title. And although the attacker, 32 next month, has suffered with injury and form problems in the last two seasons Wenger is still astonished van Gaal has sold van Persie to Turkish side Fenerbahce in a £3.8 million deal.

Speaking in Singapore ahead of Arsenal’s Barclays Asia Trophy Final with Everton today Wenger said: “For me it’s a big surprise.

“I’m quite surprised that Robin van Persie has gone to Turkey this summer. He’s a loss for English football because he’s an exceptional player, one of the best I’ve ever managed.

“He has an exceptional technique. I don’t know what happened or why he leaves United but he’s a loss to the Premier League.”

Van Persie’s age, reliability and injury history became an issue for ruthless boss van Gaal who is demanding his stars compete for the Premier League title this season.

And his departure has left the door open for United to buy a big-name replacement despite van Gaal’s stance that he has all the attackers he needs.

Van Persie spent eight years at Arsenal after being signed from Feyenoord in 2004 and became one of the Premier League’s deadliest hit men, being crowned double Footballer of the Year in 2012 in his final season at Arsenal. — The Mirror.