Gilles Grimandi has hit out at Arsenal transfer guru Raul Sanllehi and the Gunners board.
Arsenal have lost their first two games back after the Premier League restart, including Saturday's disappointing defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Former Gunners star Grimandi has backed manager Mikel Arteta to succeed despite the losses.
However, Grimandi, who became one of Arsene Wenger's closest confidantes and served as the club's chief scout for a decade until last year, argued that the club's direction is not as clear as it once was.
"People didn't realise the influence and the choices that Arsene made, choices which were often wise," the 49-year-old told French TV station Canal+.
"We're not able to read the project that's in the hands of the directors and Sanllehi right now.
"There have been some debatable signings and it's not possible to totally see from the outside what they want to do.
"There are some positive points. I believe in Mikel Arteta - he's a person with a future.
"He's a competent lad and someone who's gained a certain amount of experience alongside Pep Guardiola.
"There is a lot of quality among the young players, but the directors have to take their responsibility and make much wiser choices."
Grimandi pointed to the signing of William Saliba as an example of how the Gunners are not thinking clearly in the transfer market.
Saliba was signed for £27m last year but sent back to Saint-Etienne on loan for this season, with the Gunners subsequently forced to bring in Pablo Mari on loan in the January window.
Grimandi argued that sending Saliba back out on loan was an example of bad management.
"For me that's a mistake because these are players who could have gained experience this season," he said.
"And then you see they have to buy another player Pablo Mari at Christmas. There's a lot of incoherence in the choices.
"I think there is competence on the technical side and with the young players. Now those who are directing them have to take their responsibilities and make wiser choices.
"We know the financial consequences of not qualifying for the Champions League and the effect it has of being an attractive club."
