Nigel Winterburn has warned that Arsenal must show prospective new signings that they are now moving in the right direction under Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners currently sit tenth in the Premier League after a difficult first half of the season, with Arsenal struggling for form under former boss Unai Emery and interim head coach Freddie Ljungberg, following the Spaniard's departure.
Arsenal have showed signs of improvement in recent matches since Arteta was named as Emery's permanent successor, with a 2-0 win against Manchester United on New Year's Day followed up by a 1-0 win against Leeds United in the FA Cup third round on Monday night, which set up a fourth round tie at Bournemouth.
But ahead of facing London rivals Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this weekend, Winterburn has said there is still a long way to go for the Gunners as they look to try and turn things around and make the season a success.
“Maybe, just maybe, we might be able to get into that top four in the final stages of the season, but I think it’s unrealistic given where Arsenal are at this moment," he told Gambling.com .
“It’s also about showing prospective signings that Arsenal are indeed moving in a new direction now, the right direction.
“There’s still a lot to play for. There’s the top four, FA Cup and Europa League – and of course if you win that you qualify for the Champions League, which is so crucial for attracting players.
“They are all long shots at the moment though.”
