And the former Arsenal striker believes that's the same for Alexis Sanchez, who he describes as a "big shadow" at the Emirates.

Smith thinks Sanchez, who is out of contract, is determined to leave and the Gunners would be better off banking the cash.

Manchester City remain keen on Sanchez, who is out of contract at the end of next season, while Coutinho is wanted by Barcelona.

“Alexis Sanchez is a big shadow hanging over the Emirates,” Smith said on talkSPORT.

“Arsene Wenger says he is determined not to sell him, but he seems determined to leave.

“If you’ve got an unhappy player, a bit like Coutinho at Liverpool, that’s not a great situation to have in the dressing room.

“For me, it’s a no-brainer: you’ve got to let him go, get the money and move on.

“What the owners would think about keeping a player you could get £60m for and then letting him go for nothing in 12 months’ time, I don’t know.

“It happens time and time again at Arsenal.”