Arsene Wenger was left with another gap to fill in his depleted midfield following confirmation that veteran Brazilian Gilberto Silva has joined Greek side Panathinaikos.
The departure of the long-serving 31-year-old World Cup winner - a member of the 2003-2004 'Invincibles' side - comes a day after the sale of unsettled Alexander Hleb to Barcelona.
With the combative Mathieu Flamini having also left on a free transfer to AC Milan at the end of last season, Wenger must now rebuild the heartbeat of a team which set the early pace in the Premier League before eventually fading out of the title race.
The arrival of promising Wales teenager Aaron Ramsey, from Cardiff for €6 million, is another sign of Wenger's faith in youth.
Arsenal fans will get a glimpse into that future when Ramsey lines up alongside the likes of Theo Walcott and young Mexican striker Carlos Vela in a pre-season friendly at Barnet on Saturday.
However, there is no doubt the Gunners still need some experience in the middle of the park if they are to mount another assault on domestic and European honours next season.
Samri Nasri, a summer recruit from Marseille, is more of a wide, attacking player and, although Abou Diaby would relish the chance of cementing his place alongside Euro 2008 winner Cesc Fabregas at the heartbeat of the Arsenal team, Wenger will, as ever, have a back-up plan in mind.
