Exclusive – Hartson: ‘Top four is the best Arsenal can hope for’

John Hartson has written off Arsenal’s title chances for next season – and says his former club will do well to finish in the top four.

The Gunners have never finished out of the Champions League qualification places since Arsene Wenger took over the reins in 1996.

However, Hartson believes the lack of serious spending this summer and the ongoing uncertainty over the futures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri will see them slip further behind Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City.

“My thoughts on Arsenal are pretty much the same as I thought last season,” said Hartson, speaking to Stubbs and Quinny. “I didn’t think they had that top, top striker to go and score 25, 30 goals to get Arsenal right in the mix. The Fabregas and Nasri thing is dragging as well.

“I do like Arsene Wenger as a person and he’s done well at Arsenal, not in recent years but over the piece he’s been good for the club. But I just feel if they get into the top four with other teams getting as strong as they are, with Manchester City, Man United and Chelsea spending and then you have Tottenam and Liverpool to compete with, I think top four is the probably the best Arsenal fans can hope for.

“That is not good enough for an Arsenal fan. Arsenal want to be talking about winning titles and things, not finishing in the top four. But I think if they do finish in the top four, it will be a good season for them."