Why Arsene Wenger accepts Manchester United's bid for Van Persie

Arsene Wenger claims he had no option but to accept Manchester United's bid for Robin Van Persie, with the striker in the final year of his contract.

Wenger has fought hard to keep the player but admits it was always a lost cause as the striker's contract situation meant he would always be sold if he did not agree to a new one.

"It's sad to lose a player of his quality," Wenger admitted. "He had a year left on his deal so we didn't have the choice."

There have been suggestions Wenger could delve into the transfer market again to replace him but with Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud already on board, that looks unlikely.

When asked whether he will recruit another player to replace Van Persie, Wenger replied: "We already recruited to replace him.