Arsenal star describes loss of Fabregas and Nasri as catastrophic

Andrey Arshavin has told the Russian press that the Gunner's summer transfer window loss of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas has been "catastrophic".

"At the moment, losing Fabregas and Nasri is a catastrophe," the forward told Russian newspaper Sport-Express. Arshavin also revealed that he was dismayed by the side's inability to break down Udinese on several occasions in their crucial Champions League qualifier games. Perhaps he should put his 'Sssh' gesture celebration (pictured above) to good use in future.

"Watching the Udinese match I said to [Nicklas] Bendtner 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'.' I'm very glad that I was able to play in the same team as Fabregas - he is a truly class footballer."

The 30-year-old, who apparently has more interest in pointing out the flaws in the North London side than putting in a proper shift in recent games, did however give the club's deadline day signings his coveted approval:

"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.

"Arteta and Benayoun have long proved themselves in the Premier League, they're not bad signings. And we needed strengthening in those positions. Perhaps another holding midfielder wouldn't hurt and, as far as I know, we were trying till the last minute to get [Rennes midfielder Yann] M'Vila, but unfortunately we weren't able to buy him," he added.

"Judging by the quantity and quality of our signings, Arsenal's football will soon undergo some changes."