Former Arsenal striker John Hartson understands why manager Arsene Wenger did not buy a new centre-forward this summer.

Hartson, who made 54 league appearances for the north Londoners, believes the criticism the Professor has received is unfair and has backed his decision not to sign a new forward.

"Why would he just add numbers to give himself a problem and put players on the bench and pay them astronomical wages?," the Welshman told talkSPORT.

“I totally understand why Wenger has not bought. The Danny Welbeck situation is unfortunate now he has to go in for a knee operation. You look at Liverpool, and how much did they need Danny Ings? They signed him for a free, but what's the point, Danny Ings has hardly kicked a ball for Liverpool.

“That's not the way Wenger works. He protects the club's money, he doesn't just go out and buy bang-average players. If you're going to get into his team, you've got to improve it and you've got to be better than what he's got.

“We've all criticised Arsenal and would like to see them be a bit more active in the transfer market - he hasn't been. He's won two FA Cups on the bounce and they keep finishing in the top four. They're not as strong as Man City or Chelsea, but Arsene Wenger keeps producing and keeps building teams.

“He's not going to buy players just to add the group. You've got to bring in players that are going to enhance the team."