Mikel Arteta has been told it would be "crazy" to offload Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Emiliano Martinez amid rumours both players will be sold.
The pair both played in Arsenal's Community Shield victory over Liverpool at Wembley on Saturday.
But Maitland-Niles has been the subject of interest from Wolves while Martinez's status as a starter remains uncertain as Bernd Leno continues his recovery from injury.
Optimism is growing around the Emirates that Arteta can lead Arsenal back towards the top of the table and even mount an unlikely challenge for a Champions League spot.
But Martin Keown thinks Maitland-Niles and Martinez are the types of players who have to remain in north London.
"It’s crazy," he said on BT Sport. "You’re developing players – Maitland-Niles, the goalkeeper – [who are] going to be sold?
"These are just the players that Arsenal fans are looking at and wanted for years."
Martinez had a host of loan spells away before he was fortunately given his chance as the No 1.
Since deputising for Leno he has been hugely impressive however with some, including Keown, believing he should retain the jersey.
"I think Martinez is my No.1. He’s in possession of the place and should keep it," said the former Arsenal defender.
"I know Arsene Wenger always considered him his future No.1. He’s always been considered a really good goalkeeper."
Maitland-Niles also did his case no harm with a man of the match performance at Wembley.
He calmly slotted his penalty in the shootout and underlined his commitment to the Gunners after the match.
"I'm an Arsenal player until I'm told otherwise," he said.
"My heart is in the club and while I'm here I'm going to give 100 per cent all the time. So that's that."
