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Vieira fears for Gunners

Image: Vieira: Hoping Arsenal squad can stay together

Former Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira fears further departures could spell a 'worrying time' for The Gunners.

Former Arsenal man believes retention is key for Wenger

Internazionale midfielder Patrick Vieira understands Mathieu Flamini's decision to leave Arsenal, but admits further departures could spell a 'worrying time' for The Gunners. French international Flamini, whose contract at Arsenal was set to expire in the summer, completed his protracted switch to Serie A giants Milan last week. Flamini's exit sparked rumours that Alexander Hleb could follow him in seeking pastures new, with Inter reportedly keen to secure his services. However, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has since insisted that he will strive to retain the core of his squad as he looks to build for next season. And while Vieira believes Arsenal are bursting with potential, the former Gunner feels that additional summer exits could undo years of Wenger's work in constructing a team capable of lifting silverware once more. "I think Flamini is a big loss. I think he has been fantastic for Arsenal over the last two years," he said at an event run by Ford's Feel Football debate website www.feelfootball.com.

Loyalty

"I understand his decision to leave. Maybe the offer he received from Arsenal was not the best, and maybe that is why he decided to leave. I think everyone has to respect the decision. "I think the young players at Arsenal deserve a good contract, they have shown how good and committed they are. "I stayed loyal [during my time at the club] because Arsenal wanted to compete and I had a good contract, so I had no reason to leave. "If they start losing players like that it could be a worrying time for Arsenal. I think it is important for the team to stay together. They would benefit from staying together and playing together for longer. "They are a young team and they must stay together if they are to be better than last season." Vieira also suggested that the addition of one or two more experienced players might complement the current squad's youthful make-up, and in turn boost their push for trophies.
Experience
"I think they need experience - one or more players," he continued. "They lost crucial games this season, maybe down to a lack of experience among the players. "I don't believe Arsene Wenger should buy stars. I think the way they are is fantastic. Maybe they need one or two players that have experience at the key moments."

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