Everton boss David Moyes has admitted that there is a “danger” of losing key players after the departure of Mikel Arteta.
The Spanish midfielder moved to Arsenal from Merseyside in the remaining hours of the transfer window last month.
The Toffees failed to bring in any stand-out signings to Goodison Park and the 48-year-old manager came under criticism for letting Arteta leave at the last minute.
This has prompted suggestions that the midfielder’s former teammates may seek a move away from the Merseyside club.
“There is a danger that selling Mikel could set a precedent, but I hope not," Sky Sports News quotes Moyes as saying.
"I would like to think we can hang on to our best players. But there is always a danger when someone goes after saying they want to leave that it could set a precedent, and we will have to be careful of that."
The Toffees have lost, won and drawn the first three of their Premier League matches.
