Emmanuel Petit has warned Arsene Wenger that Arsenal will have to spend big to compete for top-class players this summer.

The Gunners failed to secure a place in the top four in the 2016-17 season after Arsenal finished behind Liverpool in the Premier League table.

The north London side will miss out on the Champions League next term for the first time since Wenger took over the reins at Highbury back in 1996.

Arsenal signed five players in the 2016 summer transfer window as Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka and Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi completed big-money moves to The Emirates.

Wenger will need to invest in new signings this summer if the FA Cup finalists are to close the gap on title rivals Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United ahead of next season.

Speaking to bwin about Arsenal’s potential transfer activity in the summer, former Gunners star Petit warned Wenger that the north London side will have to invest significant funds in the summer.

“This summer, without Champions League football, Arsenal have a big decision to make when it comes to the transfer market,” Petit said.

“If you want to send a message to top players to come and join Arsenal, the fact you aren’t in the Champions League doesn’t help.

“To make up for this, you have to compete financially and put your chequebook on the table. You must break the salary cap but I am not sure Arsenal are willing to do that.

“It’ll be interesting to see how they plan to compete in the transfer market.”

The post Emmaneul Petit Sends Blunt Warning to Arsene Wenger about top Arsenal signings appeared first on The Sport Review.