Former Arsenal star Perry Groves believes manager Arsene Wenger made a mistake by selling Lassana Diarra, as the Gunners struggled with injury problems in the second half of last season, while they now need a central midfielder following summer departure of Mathieu Flamini and Gilberto in particular.

France international Diarra moved to Portsmouth for regular football in January after only having signed for the Gunners on last summer’s deadline day from Chelsea.

"If I was Arsene Wenger, I wouldn't have let Diarra go to Pompey. I would have kept him as we needed strength in midfield,” the former Gunners fans’ favourite told Setanta Sports News.

"Eduardo and (Robin) van Persie getting injured left us short of numbers up front.”

The 43-year-old retired winger accepted that Gunners’ top-four rivals Chelsea and Manchester United have greater bench strength.

"Chelsea and Manchester United's squad, in depth, is a lot stronger,” he added.