Former Arsenal striker Paul Merson believes Arsene Wenger never recovered from David Dein's departure.

Dein held the role of Arsenal vice-chairman from 1983 - 2007 and was a hugely influential figure at the club.

He sold his Arsenal shares in 2007 for £75m and Merson says Wenger didn't recover from losing his close ally.

Merson told Sky Sports: “The worst thing to happen to Arsenal Football Club was the loss of David Dein. He made things happen.

“I always say, Arsenal played in a stadium of 38,000. They had Henry, Bergkamp, Pires, Petit, Vieira, Overmars, Anelka, Campbell, all world-class players.

“David Dein leaves, they got to a stadium that holds 60,000, and now you look at the team.

“How many of those players are world class now? I can't reel off those players.

“Wenger would say: this player. David Dein would go and get him. I really do think he missed him."