Former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Petit has strongly criticised the club’s directors, saying they have ‘no vision’ for the club.
The Gunners’ hierarchy have come in for a lot of criticism for their handling of a number of matters, such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s contract and the club’s transfer strategy.
And fans raised further questions after it was announced that David Luiz had been given a new one-year contract, while Cedirc Soares – who is yet to make an appearance since joining from Southampton in January – was handed a new long-term deal.
And, speaking in his column for Paddy Power, Petit held no punches in his assessment of the club’s board.
“Does anyone think the Arsenal executives and directors know what they're doing on the football side of things?” Petit said.
“For the last few years they have been splashing out on the transfer market - and have brought in some decent players - but I don't know what their target or project for the future is.
“It's far worse now than in the last years under Wenger. What is the point of being one of the richest clubs on the planet with no reason or vision behind it?”
Petit was also scathing about the decision to hand a new deal to Luiz, who produced another error-strewn performance when the Gunners returned to Premier League action against Manchester City last week.
“I’m not surprised that he has been given a new contract at Arsenal, because I’ve been very disappointed in relation to the club’s activity in the transfer market.
“If I was David Luiz, of course I would sign a new deal and I would also say a prayer of thanks to the Arsenal directors every time I wake up.
“Even when he last won the Premier League with Chelsea, he’s not the same player any more. This guy has lost something.”
