Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg says they need to start competing for the world's best talent again.

Ljungberg is dismayed at the lack of quality arriving at Emirates stadium.

"What has happened? It is a bit touchy to talk about it because I am an ex-player," Ljungberg, who is wary of blaming manager Arsene Wenger, told the Sunday Mirror. "But there was a time when we were bringing in Gilberto Silva who had just won the World Cup with Brazil. We bought in Robert Pires and Sylvain Wiltord who has just won the Euros with France.

"Sol Campbell came to Arsenal when he was the best centre back in England and he could have gone anywhere in the world. But he chose Arsenal because he wanted to win things. "Every summer there was the chance to move but the players stayed because they wanted to win trophies.

"That is why I went there from Halmstadt. I was due to meet Juventus the following day but chose Arsenal. But that is a pulling power they don't have any more. Now they develop younger players. That is fine but maybe they need players who have won things too.

"But those players cost money and that is not happening. I don't know if it is Arsene or the board.

"It is seven years without a trophy and I would like to know who decides the policy. I feel sorry for Arsene. If it is not Arsene's decisions then he cannot do exactly what he wants."