Russell Martin: 'Arsenal have improved since selling Robin van Persie'

Norwich City defender Russell Martin has claimed that Arsenal are a better side since the sale of Robin van Persie in the summer.

The Dutch striker moved to Manchester United in August but the acquisitions of Santi Cazorla, Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud has impressed Martin.

"They got rid of a fantastic player but brought in another three or four fantastic players to replace him," Martin told The Mirror. "I know it sounds strange but I think that has made them a much stronger team. They were a great team with him and they are still a great team without him.

"But the difference is that instead of having three or four match winners, now they have nine or 10."

The Canaries welcome Arsenal to Carrow Road in the Premier League on Saturday evening.