Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admited Robin van Persie will be hard to replace. Photo Dave Thompson/PA wire

Transfer news: The Gunners boss did not want to talk about why the Dutchman left and the Cameroon star looks set to depart

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger does not believe that Robin van Persie has left the club for the pursuit of trophies, while Alex Song looks set to join him in departing north London.

The Dutchman joined Manchester United, while the Cameroon international appears set to move to Barcelona.

While Samir Nasri and Ashley Cole expressly desired to leave to want trophies Wenger does not think this affects this year’s duo.

“I do not think it is linked at all with winning something or not,” Wenger said.

“It is difficult to make an overall conclusion about it. Every case is individual. Maybe one day I will explain everything.

“However, part of our job is to influence people’s life in a positive way.

“You would prefer to influence it in a positive way for yourself, but it does not always happen.”