Alan Smith has backed Arsenal to go after Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone this summer.

The former Gunners striker is adamant that a coach such as Simeone would instil a nastiness and toughness not seen at the Emirates Stadium for some time as the North London club desperately searches for a way to break their increasing Premier League title drought.

Smith feels Arsene Wenger's time is up at the Emirates and has called for the board to make a serious move by attempting to lure Simeone from Spain.

"With the group they have got I don't think the chemistry is right in terms of leaders and nastiness sometimes, but I maintain you could get a better performance out of that group than Arsene Wenger has managed to get," he said on Sky Sports in the wake of Arsenal's 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion on Thursday.

"For instance, Diego Simeone is a complete contrast; black and white really. They would be harder to beat with him at the helm.

"That's probably a fair comment because of the steel he would bring to it. Arsene Wenger is a much different manager."