Ian Holloway believes that the current uncertainty surrounding Robin van Persie's future at Arsenal shows that the Gunners have fallen behind some of their rivals.
Dutch striker Van Persie is widely expected to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus all credited with an interest in his services.
Having also recently sold the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, Blackpool boss Holloway feels that Arsenal have become a club known for selling their best players.
"The worrying thing for the Gunners is that they are now perceived as a selling club," he told The Mirror. "In Arsene Wenger, they have an absolute genius for a manager, a guy who doesn't feel the need to spend massive amounts of money because he has the vision to recognise potential and develop it.
"Arsenal have been left behind. Not just because other clubs pay bigger transfer fees and wages. Van Persie says he wants to win trophies. It's now seven years since Arsenal's last piece of silverware.
"Maybe the Gunners' wounded fans should take his observation at face value, rather than think he's just another player who wants to shove his snout even deeper into the trough."
Man United are currently considered to be the favourites to sign Van Persie.
Liam Apicella
