Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell has instructed the Gunners to keep hold of both Granit Xhaka and Hector Bellerin this season.
The duo have been linked with moves away from the club heading into the transfer window, and football.london understands that Arsenal are open to selling both in order to fund their own transfer business ahead of next season.
However, Campbell, who had two spells with the Gunners throughout his career, has suggested that the two should be kept around for their experience.
Speaking to Ladbrokes at the launch of their new European Championships 5-a-side Bet, the former centre-back said: “Who is going to change Arsenal Football Club? I think they need to have a look around the place at some of the senior players there. Do they keep a couple of players around to help bring on the youngsters?
“You can’t just go and get rid of all of your experienced players. I see the likes of Hector Bellerin and Granit Xhaka being linked with moves away but both have been a core part of that team for some time now.
“You don’t want to sever ties completely with players like that because otherwise there’ll be no one around who can teach new signings and younger players the ways of the club.
“Hector [Bellerin] has been a fantastic player for Arsenal, [Granit] Xhaka has been great as well. If it’s a matter of keeping people around for another year or so, you may as well keep hold of those two as they know the club inside out.
“If you start taking too many of those names out, who is going to teach the youngsters what it means to play for Arsenal? I personally think Bellerin and Xhaka will stay on for another year.”
Bellerin has been linked with a move back to his native Spain this summer with Real Betis thought to be interested.
Meanwhile, Swiss international midfielder Xhaka is understood to be attracting the attentions of AS Roma.
