Andrey Arshavin admits Arsenal losing Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively is a "catastrophe".
The Russia forward was impressed with Arsene Wenger's deadline-day signings but admitted that the departed midfield duo are irreplaceable.
"At the moment, losing Fabregas and Nasri is a catastophe," Arshavin told Sport-Express.
"Watching the Udinese match I said to (Nicklas) Bendtner that now we have no-one so comfortable with passing the ball to Robin van Persie or who ideally utilises the qualities of the other forwards.
"He smiled and replied, 'Yes, the only player who could properly replace Cesc is probably Xavi'.
"I'm very glad that I was able to play in the same team as Fabregas - he is a truly class footballer.
"When people say no-one is irreplaceable I don't agree. With (Mikel) Arteta or whoever replaces those who have left, we will play different football, not as we played with Cesc and Samir."
