Ian Wright has voiced major concerns over Arsenal's ability to keep hold of their most promising youngsters if the club's worrying form continues.
Bukayo Saka, 19, and Emile Smith Rowe, 20, have been rare shining lights in a dismal trophy-less season for the Gunners, who have only a slim hope of European qualification.
The pair combined to put Arsenal ahead in their victory over West Brom on Sunday, with Saka driving to the byline and teeing-up Smith Rowe for a sublime volley.
But Wright fears Arsenal will struggle to satisfy Saka and Smith Rowe's ambitions unless there is improvement on the pitch.
"Talking about him [Smith-Rowe] and Saka, you’re hoping Arsenal can match their progression because if they don’t, then clubs will try and take them off of us," the Highbury legend told Premier League Productions .
"It is a massive concern. It is a massive concern that are Arsenal are able to sort out whatever is going on upstairs, with the manager, with the players that are going to come in, whoever he is going to bring in to try and execute whatever game plan he wants to do, because these guys are going to be a major part of that.
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"If they continue to play well, if we do not progress as quickly as these guys progress, then you have to be worried about their ambition and what they want to do because they’re fantastic players."
Smith Rowe's strike against the Baggies was his first in the Premier League and took his tally for the season to six goals, while he also has seven assists.
"It’s the one thing he wants to do. He wants to add more goals. He has been playing really well," former Three Lions striker Wright added on Smith Rowe.
"The only thing left for him to do for his game – because he has got everything, one touch, two touch, round the corner, pace – is to add more goals to his game."
Saka, meanwhile, started against West Brom at left-back but has been used in all manner of attacking midfield roles by Mikel Arteta this season.
The England international has chipped in with seven goals and 10 assists and will hope to feature in the Euros this summer.
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