Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been told to sell Granit Xhaka and then make a move in the January transfer window.
The Gunners currently lack the finances to match their rivals for the top six and most likely need to part ways with talent so they can reinvest it in the squad.
This has led to former star Charlie Nicholas suggesting that Arteta should make the tough decision to let go of Xhaka.
The 27-year-old has not been in the good graces at Arsenal since shouting obscenities at fans after he was booed off when he was substituted in a draw at home to Crystal Palace during Unai Emery's tenure.
Xhaka has enjoyed somewhat of a reprieve at the Gunners but Nicholas still feels that Arteta should bring down the hammer.
Talking about what Arsenal have to improve, Nicholas came up with what he insists would be the ideal solution for the club.
"I need so much more from Nicolas Pepe and a bit more from Alexandre Lacazette," Nicholas told Sky Sports.
"Get the two protectors right in front of the back four, and I would still sell Granit Xhaka if the money was right. We could get by without him.
"We are still waiting on transfers. Mikel Arteta has to get in the market and help the defence."
