During Arsene Wenger’s tenure, Arsenal have lost plenty of players – but losing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could represent the most significant loss of his tenure.

Van Persie, Nasri, Fabregas, Henry – all departed, but they have all gone for perceived riches elsewhere – be it for cash, and/or medals.

The same is now happening with Alexis Sanchez – he wants out having starred for Arsenal, and he wants to leave now, with Manchester City looking to seal a move, but The Gunners are seemingly willing to let him leave for nothing.

But Sanchez aside – I would be more worried by Oxlade-Chamberlain leaving. At 24, not yet in his prime – and potentially a top-class player, but now his future clearly lies away from The Emirates – and it really shouldn’t.

Yes Arsenal are getting £35million – but there is nothing good about this deal for Arsenal, they are losing a player who the team should be being built around.

Arsenal’s dismal display at Liverpool on Sunday showed two things – the players have lost faith in their manager and they are not good enough to react.

Chamberlain’s departure also shows us two things – the club’s hierarchy are not up to the task and they do not have a clear idea of what they want for the club in the future.

And from the outside, the Chamberlain sale – of all in recent years, just smacks of where the club is, the lack of respect for Arsenal is now palpable.

There is no excuse for a so-called giant of the English game being run in this manner.

Arsenal have not improved this summer, but look set to be weaker by the end of the window. They are so far behind the two Manchester clubs and Chelsea, they are probably closer to the likes of Everton now.

I feel for Arsenal fans – they are so near but yet so far – three or four quality signings and they would be right in the mix, but instead they are slowly being dragged into the mediocrity of the top-six.

They are no longer a top-four side and don’t like becoming one again any time soon.