Former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben has revealed Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie had been trying to convince Rafael van der Vaart to move to the Emirates prior to his deadline day transfer to their Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The Dutch winger, who enjoyed a trophy laden spell at Chelsea, suggests Spurs’ acquisition of his compatriot has seriously closed the gap between Tottenham and Arsenal, and he even suggests Harry Redknapp’s side have the quality to surpass Arsene Wenger’s.
Robben believes Tottenham Hotspur have potentially signed a midfielder capable of being the best in the Premier League.
The Bayern Munich ace told ESPN: “Before Rafa signed, I'd still have had Arsenal down as the stronger team - but now I don't think there is anything between them,
“With Rafa on board, Spurs really do have one of the very best midfield players in the Premier League, maybe even the best.
“I knew of his interest in England and that van Persie had been speaking with him about how great life in London was,
“I think when Robin was trying to convince him how great London and the Premier League was, it was as though he was trying to convince him to join Arsenal.
“It's kind of backfired on Robin a little bit now, though, because he has signed for their biggest rivals.”