Arsenal have endured a torrid start to the season.
The Gunners are currently rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table having lost all three of their opening league fixtures, failing to score a single goal in the process.
Now, former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has claimed that his old side have little chance of finishing in the top six, suggesting that they are likely to finish mid-table instead.
"At the moment, Arsenal are middle of the table. If they come fifth or sixth I think they’re pulling up trees, 10th is about right, he told The Metro.
"They won’t finish above Leicester and they definitely won’t finish above Tottenham after they signed [kept] Harry Kane. I don’t think they would.
"Everton look organised with Rafa [Benitez] now, West Ham look decent, it’s going to be hard it’s not a free ride anymore."
Merson also questioned the north Londoners' transfer dealings this summer.
The Gunners spent more than any other side in the English top-flight, shelling out more than £150million on six different players, who were all 23-years-old or under, illustrating the club's clear plan to fill their squad with high potential young players in an attempt to rectify previous errors in the transfer market.
The former England international admitted he was confused with his old club's decision to not sign a striker, citing Aston Villa frontman Danny Ings as the perfect candidate given both Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette have just ten months remaining on their current deals at the Emirates.
"These other teams are buying good players, Aston Villa have Danny Ings, why have Arsenal not got Danny Ings? Why did they not buy Danny Ings?
"I worry about the recruitment. Arsenal are never beating anybody, you never see them nick a player off Man United. They’re the only team after a player."
