Arsenal’s very identity is at stake

As Robin van Persie prepares to make his Manchester United debut tonight, the club he left behind is suffering an identity crisis.

Arsenal, who also lose midfielder Alex Song to Barcelona this morning, were clearly suffering a transfer hangover as they were held to a goalless draw by Sunderland at The Emirates.

But the events of this summer have thrown up even deeper issues over how Arsenal should position themselves in the new era of billionaire owners and ever-spiralling wages.