Not even Pep Guardiola could turn this Arsenal team into Premier League title challengers, claims former player Paul Merson.
Another disappointing season in north London sees the Gunners languish in ninth, eight points off fourth place and a staggering 42 points of champions-elect Liverpool.
Mikel Arteta is now manager but has struggled to make the required impact during the early months of his reign, with the gap to the top-four widening since his appointment.
"Will Arsenal be challenging for titles soon? Even if Pep Guardiola was in charge, no," Merson told Sky Sports. "Not at the moment.
"Arsene Wenger used to say it all the time: it's all about the players. And for Arsenal at the moment, it's not a good enough team, not a good enough squad.
"I like Mikel Arteta, I really do, and I think he'll do better than the last manager Unai Emery, but at the same time, to challenge for the title I think they are a million miles off."
Merson believes Arsenal must improve in one area is they are going to ever be considered possible title candidates.
He continued: "Is there room for much optimism? I'm going to say no, to be honest. I don't know any team that has won anything when they can't defend. If you can't defend, you're not going to win anything! It's simple.
"You can't keep scoring three goals every game to nick a point or to only just win a game, so until he tightens that up, they are going to be a million miles off.
"This is going to be a slow, slow journey back for Arsenal."
