Arsenal transfer news: Steve Nicol makes worrying prediction over Unai Emery’s signings

That is the verdict of legendary Liverpool defender and ESPN FC pundit Steve Nicol.

New Arsenal boss Unai Emery has brought in five new players so far in his first transfer window in charge.

Goalkeeper Bernd Leno, defenders Stephan Lichtsteiner and Sokratis, and midfielders Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi have given some Arsenal supporters plenty of optimism for the upcoming campaign.

But Nicol does not think that is enough to break into the Champions League qualification places, which have eluded them for the last two seasons.

“Success would be getting in the top four, no question,” Nicol said.

“If they get in the top four, they should get a trophy.

“They should get one of those trophies that Arsene Wenger said about the top four.

“The squad they have right now, even with the signings they’ve made, in my opinion isn’t close to any of the teams that I expect to be in the top four.”

Nicol’s fellow pundit and former West Ham goalkeeper Shaka Hislop agrees Arsenal must improve on last season’s disappointing sixth-placed finish.

“I think they need to threaten getting into that top four, and silverware,” Hislop said.

“I’d settle for that.”