Arsenal's Andrey Arshavin: "Losing Cesc and Nasri was Catastrophic"

Andrey Arshavin has branded the departure of teammates Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri as “catastrophic”, adding that the duo is irreplaceable.

Recalling his conversation with Nicklas Bendtner a few days back, Arshavin told Russian newspaper Sport-Express:

“At the moment, losing Fabregas and Nasri is a catastophe.

“Watching the Udinese match I said to Nicklas that now we have no-one so comfortable with passing the ball to Robin van Persie or who ideally utilises the qualities of the other forwards. He smiled and replied, ‘Yes, the only player who could properly replace Cesc is probably Xavi’.”

The Three Musketeers!

Arshavin heaped praises for the duo saying that he considers himself lucky to have played in the same team as Cesc Fabregas.

“I’m very glad that I was able to play in the same team as Fabregas – he is a truly class footballer.

“When people say no-one is irreplaceable I don’t agree. With (Mikel) Arteta or whoever replaces those who have left, we will play different football, not as we played with Cesc and Samir.”

Arshavin believes that the 8-2 humiliation against Manchester United three days before the transfer window closed provoked Arsene Wenger to dive in the market. 5 deals were finalized on the deadline day as Wenger went for experienced players this time around. However, Arshavin expected Wenger to bring in a defensive midfielder, someone like Rennes’ Yann M’Vila.

“Of course the club had been working on transfers but I think the 8-2 speeded up and invigorated their work. Perhaps another holding midfielder wouldn’t hurt and, as far as I know, we were trying till the last minute to get M’Vila, but unfortunately we weren’t able to buy him.”

Speaking of his new teammates, the former Zenit forward said:

“I know a bit about Mertesacker, he is a good defender who should definitely help us. I know nothing about Andre Santos other than that he plays for Brazil – but this in itself shows credentials.

“Arteta and Benayoun have long proved themselves in the Premier League, they’re not bad signings. And we needed strengthening in those positions.”

Rather then commenting on how his club should be run, I feel that Arshavin needs to work hard in training to regain his own old form. The 30 year old is just too good to be missing sitters like he has been doing of late!