So the club bids adieu to Sulzeer Campbell for a second time. While he left under a cloud the first time, the fact that the disappointment, for me anyway, is greater four years later is telling. No one could argue he was a better player the second time round – though he was still clearly a Premier League player – but his leaving underlines the weakness of the current squad.

The 35 year old was, before his departure, third in the imaginary depth chart of centre backs at the club. His spell at Arsenal last season was outrageous fortune for Wenger and the fans as he struggled, at times single handedly, to hold together a defence deprived of two outstanding first choice centre backs. Laurent Koscielny was brought in to replace Gallas but neither Djourou or Nordtveit had the experience or – arguably – ability to creep ahead of Campbell in the pecking order. Which makes the apparent ease with which Newcastle were able to sign him all the more bewildering.

The loss of a fading defender would be easier to live with if there were a more apparent replacement. As it stands the club is reliant on two extremely inexperienced players, one of whom is at the start of his career while the other’s might never get beyond the physio’s bench.

It’s not just experience. Campbell is undoubtedly a positive influence on the pitch: he talks, cajoles, advises and above all leads. His departure makes the combined medal collection of a team with apparent designs on the Premiership title all the more laughable. After he was discarded in 2006 we were lucky enough for him to fall right into our laps again, giving Wenger the chance to turn his back on the last Arsenal side that won anything for a second time. It is not at the same level of Gilberto or, worst of all, Robert Pires, who would most likely have been our first choice left winger right up until last season, but that a player who knows how to win the Arsenal way has not been retained is a worrying sign that Wenger is unwilling to learn from past mistakes

Attention must now be paid to replacements. Even before his departure, the situation at centre back looked bad. Nordtveit may well be a future hero but another loan would surely be to his benefit. Djourou is a player whose potential only serves to intensify the cruelty of his physical shortcomings. And yet they represent Arsenal’s back up plan in the event that Vermaelen and Koscielny cannot play every game. As it stands, the fear of Koscielny not being ready for the step up doesn’t bear thinking about.

There is still time, and the way in which Campbell was allowed to leave suggests Wenger has something up his sleeve. Rumours abound of big name players who would step in next to Vermaelen and nothing would please me more. But realistically, the cost of Koscielny, his early arrival and his number 6 point to him being a starter. Cover will most likely come in the shape of a youngster that can be moulded (fingers crossed it’s Nedum Onuoha) or a wise old head (fingers crossed it’s not another Mikael Silvestre) with Alex Song to be moved back if needs be. All of these might be better solutions than Campbell moving forward, but in terms of leadership and achievement, his will be a big loss. Again.