Exclusive – Hartson: ‘Arsenal should be strengthening at every opportunity’

John Hartson has admitted he sympathises with Arsenal fans planning to protest at the game against Blackburn.

Gunners’ fans intend to cover empty seats with bin liners to show their unhappiness at a return of just one point in four Premier League games and a lack of activity in the January transfer window.

And Hartson has backed them, criticising Arsene Wenger’s unwillingness to strengthen a squad which has slipped to seventh in the league table, and is struggling to qualify for the top four.

“Arsenal fans watching every single week must be feeling very despondent at the lack of money spent,” Hartson told talkSPORT, “Even if they brought in one player, just to appease the supporters.

“There must be players out there that Arsene Wenger fancies. A club like Arsenal should be strengthening at every opportunity.

“They need players, as a squad they can’t go and say they are as strong as other squads out there. If you look at Spurs, or even Everton and Newcastle who have spent money [in January].

“Arsenal really do need to be spending. I’m absolutely sure there is money to spend, I don’t know what Arsene Wenger is thinking sometimes in not wanting to spend the money.”