Arsenal midfielder Andrey Arshavin has claimed that losing the services of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas has been a "catastrophe" for the club.

The Russian international was disappointed to see the duo depart and believes that they will be difficult to replace.

"At the moment, losing Fabregas and Nasri is a catastrophe," the 30-year-old told Russian newspaper Sport.

"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."

Despite the sales, Arshavin was pleased to see Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun arrive at the Emirates Stadium.

"When people say no-one is irreplaceable I don't agree. With Arteta or whoever replaces those who have left, we will play different football, not as we played with Cesc and Samir," he added.

"Arteta and Benayoun have long proved themselves in the Premier League, they're not bad signings. And we needed strengthening in those positions."

Arsenal's next fixture is home match against Swansea City this Saturday.