Another rebuild job is needed for Perry

ARSENAL need another summer rebuild if they want to compete at the highest level, says Perry Groves.

The Gunners are unbeaten in four Premier League fixtures after initially losing their first two post-lockdown fixtures.

However, boss Mikel Arteta is still expected to shuffle his ranks once the transfer window reopens.

And Groves – who won two league titles with Arsenal – reckons his former club are facing familiar problems.

“This summer could be like Groundhog Day,” he said.

“William Saliba is returning, although you need another centre-back to come in too.

“Pablo Mari doesn’t look too bad – especially if he fully recovers from injuries – but Rob Holding is still Arsenal’s best centre-back.

“I love David Luiz as a player, I’d just rather he was in someone else’s team. He’s always going to drop clangers.

“They also need a defensive midfielder who has awareness and a range of passing.

“Kalvin Phillips at Leeds or Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi would be ideal.”

Arteta’s young guns have started to flourish in recent weeks.

Nevertheless, the former winger reckons reliable leaders are the key to building a successful side.

“He has got to get in solid senior pros,” said Groves.

“He already has Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka – who has been absolutely brilliant.

“But look at Liverpool and Manchester City.

“City have Fernandinho and David Silva. Liverpool have got Jordan Henderson, Virgil van Dijk and James Milner. These guys are leading by example.

“That’s the environment Arteta wants, but he’s got to get the right faces in first.”

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is in the final year of his contract, having scored 52 goals in 81 games for the club.

Groves said: “I hope Aubameyang agrees a new contract, but if I was in his shoes I’d wait and see who Arsenal sign.”