Arsenal teammates are shocked that Arsene Wenger ordered Robin van Persie to stay at home rather than join them for their Far East tour.

The Sunday Mirror says Van Persie wanted to go on the trip to China and south-east Asia and told his Arsenal team-mates he was keen to be part of the ­preparations for the new season.

But in their meeting, boss Wenger told Van Persie he felt it was best for the striker to remain in England.

A squad ­member said: ­"Everyone was surprised that the boss ­decided on Thursday that Robin was not allowed to come with us."