Former Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski has issued a strong message to the club's hierarchy ahead of next season, insisting they must back head coach Mikel Arteta in the transfer market if they are to make progress.
In recent years, the club has come under heavy scrutiny for their reluctance to spend big in the transfer market, which, of course, has had on a knock-on effect in their performances on the pitch.
But after being relatively impressed by the start Arteta has made to life as head coach at the Emirates Stadium, Podolski, who scored 31 goals over a three year spell at the club, has sent a strong message in the direction of the Gunners' owners to back Arteta by the time the next transfer window comes around.
Speaking to fellow former Arsenal striker Ian Wright in a YouTube video, Podolski said: "I see it, the level is going up. It depends on running and fighting spirit.
"You see there is more of a team on the pitch, the fans Arsenal is like one of the big 5 teams in the world.
"With this team and this potential we have to play every year in the Champions League and fight for the title.
"We have to invest and I hope Mikel with his team around him will do a great job for the next seasons."
Since taking charge of the Gunners in December, Arteta has overseen 15 games in all competitions, winning eight.
