EXCLUSIVE: Pires - Gunners need to replace me
Villarreal winger Robert Pires believes Arsenal have failed to adequately replace him but the answer for Arsene Wenger lies with Franck Ribery or an existing member of the North Londoners' staff.
In an exclusive interview with setantasports.com, the Frenchman tipped his fellow countryman Ribery to arrive at The Emirates Stadium if Wenger is determined to win the race for the Marseille star's services this summer.
However, Pires believes young full back Gael Clichy would also be a worthy successor in an unfamiliar advanced wide role.
"I have been replaced by Tomas Rosicky but he is a playmaker not a winger," explained Pires to setantasports.com.
"We don't really play like each other.
"To my mind, Gael Clichy could be a great left midfielder. I have nothing to teach Arsene but I think that this fresh boy could be secure with a defender behind him.
"He has the technique and is good at dribbling
"Franck Ribery is my successor in the French team," Pires added. "He can play on both sides or behind the two strikers.
"There was a rumour about him moving to Arsenal last August. I don't know if it was real.
"Maybe he could move in next summer. If Arsene wants him, he will have him."
Pires still has strong affection for Arsenal and will not have been pleased to see them fail to lift any trophies this term.
"Of course, I follow their results closely," he stated. "They are a very big club where I experienced a lot of joy and sadness.
"I am happy with what I accomplished there.
"I gained experience and won titles, just like every footballer wants to.
"I want to thank Mr Wenger for having liberated my game. He made me conscious of my qualities.
"My best souvenirs are the 2002 Premiership title, we even won the Cup in this season, and the series of 49 unbeaten matches.
"It was just amazing to know that we had a lot of chances to win every time we entered the pitch. We were untouchables. I feel so good when I say that to myself - that I was part of that team.
"Nothing could happen to us because we were so self-confident. But we had our 50th match stolen by Manchester United. It had to happen.
Despite his move to Spain, Pires has maintained his ties with the Gunners.
"Yes, it's true that I have bought an apartment which is being built on the former Highbury," he explained. "It is a proof of my attachment, it permits you to keep a part of your exploits.
"A friend of mine told me he came to Highbury's ruins recently and he was almost crying.
"Of course it hurts, but Arsenal needed that to grow up and come into the modern era."