Patrick Vieira believes Arsenal must make four key signings this summer if they are to try and challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title again next season.
The Gunners were beaten 3-0 by Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium, effectively handing City the trophy. Pep Guardiola's side had beaten Everton 3-0 earlier in the day to move four points clear at the top.
Arsenal's defeat means the gap is seven with City having played a game fewer. Guardiola could watch his team win the league next weekend against Chelsea if they match Arsenal's result against Nottingham Forest.
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With the title race all but over, Vieira claimed Arsenal need to sign two centre-backs, a right-back and a more physical presence in midfield to challenge City again. With Champions League football on the cards for Arsenal, they will need a bigger squad to juggle their European commitments.
"This team has stepped forward from last season," Vieira told Sky Sports. "I think if we are all looking at Arsenal from last season and to talk about them to be challenging Man City this season, I think not too many people would believe Arsenal would be here.
"But, of course, they will be disappointed because they were so close to winning the title. They have to be realising what they are missing because losing the game today is more than just the game - they lost the title today - but it’s about how do you rebuild the team?
"How do you think about what you are missing to improve and to move closer to Man City next season? I think Arsenal will not just have to analyse the game today, they will have to analyse the season and have to make a step back to reflect on the season.
"These couple of pieces they are missing to be there, to be closer to Man City. What is really important is the experience and players going through those periods will gain this kind of experience.
"It was quite challenging because, in the last 10 games, they were playing games to win. When you play games to win, the pressure is different.
"They will learn from the situation that they are leaving at the moment and that will make them stronger next year. Then there are some pieces that they miss on the field because when you’re looking at the back, I think they will need a couple of pieces at centre back, they will need maybe a right back.
"In the midfield, I think there is some really good, quality players, but they will need a bit more of the physicality, and up front, it is important to have those players who are capable of scoring goals. If they manage to bring those three or four players into the starting eleven, then I think they will be a step close to Man City."
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