Hearts player Andy Webster triggered a loophole in employment laws when he was allowed to cancel his contract in the third year of his four-year stay, provided he gave enough notice and moved to a club in a foreign country. The ramification of this ruling, so Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger claims, could throw the transfer market into turmoil.

He told the Sunday Express: "There is a wind of change blowing through football. It could affect many clubs. We must all be wary.

"We are living in fear at the moment. Who knows what the future might hold?

"Cesc (Fabregas) could leave under the ruling. But I know he loves it here. It is important also we get him to sign the new deal offered."

The Gunners boss believes that clubs below the Premier League could be hit harder by players looking to move on for nothing after three years.

He added: "Many in football forget that the Webster Rule exists. After three years a player can either sign a deal or go.

"Top clubs might handle this but, at a lower level, it could ruin them.

"Agents at the moment have been reluctant to go into the Webster ruling.

"But it will happen in the same way as the Bosman ruling. Football is in fear at the moment."