Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has suggested that it would take the club a number of years to get over the departure of captain Robin van Persie.
The Dutchman's future at the Emirates Stadium is in doubt following a reported breakdown in talks over a new contract.
With his current deal due to end next summer, Keown claims that an exit would hit the Gunners hard.
"Arsenal are desperate for him to stay and have lost too many players in the past," he told reporters.
"If Van Persie were to go as well, it would take a number of years for them to recover from that.
"Robin understands and we all understand he is very much a special player for Arsenal. The adulation and respect which he has at Arsenal, Robin has worked a footballing lifetime to get that."
Van Persie joined Arsenal from Feyenoord in 2004.
