Alan Smith believes Arsenal has to show they are a serious Premier League title contender next season.

The Gunners have not been in the hunt for a premiership for much of the past decade and former striker Smith believes their financial clout should now see them consistently challenging for honours in England's top flight.

'With the finance they've got and Fair Play there's no reason why they shouldn't be competing with Chelsea and Manchester City and United,' Smith told the London Evening Standard.

'With our income there's no reason why we shouldn't be competing at the very top level.

'If you look back now you would say building our stadium and keeping competitive was an amazing achievement. But now they should be looking to kick on. If they don't start challenging for the league again over the next year or so then serious questions have to be asked.'