Arsene Wenger

Former manger believes club are in ‘crisis’

Former Arsenal manager George Graham has hit out at Arsene Wengers transfer policy and believes the club are in crisis.

The north Londoners were dumped out of the FA Cup on Saturday after a 2-0 defeat to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light and following last week's 4-0 first leg mauling by AC Milan at the San Siro, look set to crash out of the Champions League.

It is a competition they may not even qualify for next season, with one of only Newcastle, Chelsea and the Gunners likely to grab the last spot.

"Yes, Arsenal are in crisis. It has been slipping away for the last couple of years," Graham told The Sun.

"They've not been replacing those players who left four or five years ago.

"They're lacking leaders and the quality of the players they're bringing in is just not up to the standard if you want to win the Premier League."

Arsenal have not won a trophy since the FA Cup in 2005 and Graham believes the pressure for silverware next season will mean he must spend big.

"Arsene's not won anything now for the last six years so there would be doubt in there. Theyve got money and I can't understand why Arsene has not gone out and bought some real quality players," he added.

"But he has a fantastic reputation and I don't think the board will forget what he has done.

"I think he will still be there next season but he badly needs to refresh the playing side of the club. He needs to keep bringing youngsters through but he must buy quality, experienced players to win trophies."

• Cole: Arsenal target is like Messi
• Wenger wants revenge over Tottenham
• Graham believes Arsenal should sell Walcott and they will lose Van Persie