Robin van Persie has revealed he was unable to persuade Arsene Wenger to sign Rafael van der Vaart.
Gunners striker salutes Spurs playmaker
Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has revealed he was unable to persuade Arsene Wenger to try and sign Rafael van der Vaart.
The Holland playmaker moved to North London rivals Tottenham from Real Madrid in a shock £8million deal on the final day of the summer transfer window.
Van Persie's international team-mate has become an instant success at White Hart Lane with seven goals in 12 games so far this term.
The two teams clash on Saturday and Van Persie is disappointed his fellow countryman will be lining up for the opposition.
Top team
He told NUsport: "He (Van der Vaart) is a great footballer, I know the quality he has.
"I would rather have him at Arsenal. I indicated a couple of times that Rafael would be useful for Arsenal but that advice was not followed.
"I regret the fact he was not signed, but it is the right of the club, this is just my opinion.
"Now you can see the result. Spurs were a good team but now they are a top team."
