Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit says the club will not be able to compete with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool until Mikel Arteta's transfer plans are fully backed to add strength in depth. Having unfortunately suffered three defeats in their last four games, north London rivals Spurs have since leapfrogged the side into the all important fourth placed spot in the Premier League table.
Forward Alexander Lacazette has now failed to score in all four of his last outings in a red and white shirt with questions now beginning to be asked around the team's attacking firepower. Given Arsenal still have tricky tests to come in the form of Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham before the end of the season, Petit has since delivered his own verdict on his former side's need to strengthen later this year.
“Since Mikel Arteta arrived at Arsenal, he's been steady. He still has a lot to do, but he has done a lot of good things already. He has found his first XI and now the players appear to be a happy group,'' the 51-year-old told bookmakers.co.uk.
"They seem to understand the way Arteta is asking them to play, but after the Crystal Palace game I believe he said he wants seven new signings for next season, and I completely agree with him.
"Arsenal are doing everything they are capable of at the moment. With this team Arteta has some quality, but not enough to compete with Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea. But he cannot perform miracles either."
The Gunners have been linked with numerous names throughout the course of the season, but will need to rely on their already present squad to carry them through the most vital stage of the 21/22 campaign.
