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Arsenal 'must buy players to avoid becoming nearly-men'

Arsenal must add big names to their squad to avoid "being nearly-men", according to ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.

Jamie Carragher has warned Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger that he must add to his squad this summer, if they are to avoid being "nearly-men".

The Gunners are the in-form team in the Premier League and are currently second in the table, 10 points behind leaders Chelsea.

However, despite their recent resurgence, Carragher has suggested that the North London club must invest in new players if they are to challenge for the title next season.

He told the Daily Mail: "You just hope, however, Wenger and Arsenal's board don't get fooled into thinking they have got all the tools they need at their disposal. This is not the time to be complacent. This is the summer when Arsenal must go for it and make the big additions that will stop them being nearly-men.

"That is exactly what Chelsea did 12 months ago. After finishing behind Manchester City and Liverpool, [Jose] Mourinho didn't mess around. In came Diego Costa, who had spearheaded Atletico Madrid's La Liga success, and a World Cup winner in Cesc Fabregas.

"They meant business. The money was big but the quality was proven and, after they were unveiled, everyone began tipping Chelsea for the title. We might be doing the same with Arsenal come August if Wenger, who has been criticised for spending Arsenal's money like it's his own, is similarly ambitious."

Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

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Chris O'Keefe
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Chelsea's Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho (R) and Arsenal's French manager Arsene Wenger (L) are kept apart by the fourth official Jonathan Moss during the English Premier League match on October 5, 2014
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