Arsene Wenger says that the departure of Tomas Rosicky, Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini would leave Arsenal without “three big personalities”.

The triumvirate are set to end their Gunners careers this summer after a combined total of 641 appearances for the club.

“Mikel Arteta is the captain of the club and has been a great leader,” said Wenger. “Tomas Rosicky has been with us for 10 years and I think everybody loves him as well. Mathieu Flamini has been an extremely strong leader on the pitch and off the pitch. We lose three big personalities.

“All of these players will have to decide if they go on in their careers as a football player or a coach.

“I don’t know yet [if they will be involved against Aston Villa],” added Wenger.

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