Former Liverpool player and manager Graeme Souness has not minced his words when giving his assessment on Arsenal’s current status.

The Gunners have had a difficult week after getting thrashed 5-1 by Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Hopes of winning the European crown have all but gone, unless they can perform a miracle at the Emirates next month in the return leg.

Chances of clinching their first Premier League title in 13 years is also slim as they sit 10 points adrift of leaders Chelsea.

The only realistic hope of collecting silverware this season is in the FA Cup, but Souness believes that it would be a “hollow joke” if they took the trophy but missed out on top four.

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Chelsea look to have the title sewn up, but the remaining three Champions League spots are up for grabs, with just four points separating second from sixth.

Arsenal currently reside fourth, but Liverpool are just one point behind them and Manchester United are two adrift.

Writing in his Sunday Times column, Souness said:

“Their top-four spot is under real threat and this is where it could get ugly. The fans will turn on the players and manager unless there is an immediate revival. Another FA Cup win, which is quite possible, would feel like a hollow joke if they failed to qualify for the Champions League. That'd be the wrong way for Wenger's Arsenal career to end.”

The Scotsman also took a swing at Mesut Ozil by accusing the German World Cup winner of going missing in games against high-calibre opposition.

The playmaker’s future remains uncertain as he is yet to sign a new contract, despite months of negotiations with the North London outfit.

“There is clearly a problem when the best Arsenal player on the pitch in a 5-1 thrashing is a goalkeeper. Ozil copped most of the criticism. It's not a surprise. The German is Arsenal in a nutshell. Against the Crystal Palaces of this world he is an absolute worldie player. Against the big boys he is a world away.”

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