Arsenal Transfer News: Fabregas and Nasri Left out of Squad to Face Newcastle

Any doubts over the future of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri at Arsenal have been all but confirmed with the two superstars left out of the Gunners opening-match squad to face Newcastle United.

With Fabregas and Nasri rumoured to be leaving for Barcelona and Manchester City, respectively, it will be worrying times for Arsenal fans everywhere.

According to Goal.com Arsene Wenger has left the two out of the squad, which will travel to St James' Park. With Wilshere and Diaby already out due to injury, Arsenal will head into the match severely understrengthed, possibly risking three points against a near full-strength Newcastle squad.

If Fabregas and Nasri leave, Arsenal will be left with a gaping hole in the midfield. Both players were instrumental in guiding the Gunners to a top-four finish last year, and the loss of either one—let alone both—would be a tremendous blow to Arsenal's title chances.

If there is any positive to be taken from selling both players, it would be the massive transfer budget Arsene Wenger would have at his disposal. Nasri is expected to fetch around €20 million whilst Fabregas, as was reported yesterday, could bring in €40 million.

With Arsenal's captain now out of the picture, it will be left to Robin Van Persie to lead Arsenal out. Although greatly understrengthed, Arsenal will at least get the opportunity to prove to their critics that they can remain competitive without the Spanish and French influences in their midfield.

Both players were not expected to feature anyway due to respective injuries. However, the fact that such key players were not given right until kickoff to prove their fitness leaves some questions to be answered.

According to the Daily Mail, Juan Mata is tipped to join the club if either player leaves.

Adrian runs the football site Play the Advantage Football