Former Arsenal captain Gilberto Silva can understand Folarin Balogun and Charlie Patino being sold.

Both players have been on-loan this season at Reims and Blackpool respectively this season.

Gilberto told Casinosite.nl: "In certain circumstances players can decide they are ready to play regular, senior football. It is inevitable because the manager right now does not think they are going to play so many games.

The players want to play games, they get frustrated when they don't play and, at some point, you have to make a decision. I think if Patino and Balogun have decided to move, it's okay if they want to experience something different.

"For Arsenal, if they decide to let them go, that is part of the process. Sometimes players can thrive elsewhere at new clubs."