Arsenal are 'soft' and they need a tough leader, says Gunners legend

Once the concrete pillar of Arsenal's backline and a captain of one of the sturdiest teams in the history of Premier League - Sol Campbell is having trouble seeing eye to eye with the current transfer tactics of his former club.

For Campbell, club's activity on the transfer market does not lead to a solid group which will ooze tough presence on the pitch. He fears the decisions made, for example, letting David Luiz leave - will lead to a team without personality and healthy aggression.

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The robust former defender feels the Arsenal side of present have lost their tough edge and have become 'soft'.

Speaking to Ladbrokes, Campbell expressed his view of players working under boss Mikel Arteta.

'When I was at Arsenal we had a team of tough guys... I don't know whether things have softened now.

'When I was there we had a team full of tough guys. All great gentlemen, straight-talking. There were loads of characters, great banter and with that came a few fights from time to time.

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'But above all that, it was a team full of great personalities; great people.'

'We didn't shy away from things at all. Is football like that now? Are Arsenal like that now? I don't think so.

'We were ruthless gentlemen. There is such a thing; you know what's good and what's bad but when it comes to football there's no mucking around. It's as simple as that.'

Campbell fears the exits of experienced players could have a negative effect on what is already a struggling team. After defender David Luiz was allowed to walk away this summer and what could be the potential departure of Hector Bellerin - Campbell does not understand what kind of a path does the club want to take.

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French striker Alexandre Lacazette along with former captain Granit Xhaka have also been linked with leaving the Emirates Stadium.

'Does the club want to start again, forgetting about how Arsenal of old used to win? You have to ask the guys at the top. It's a different time now.' he added.

'Who is going to change Arsenal Football Club? I think they need to have a look around the place at some of the senior players there.

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'Do they keep a couple of players around to help bring on the youngsters? You can't just go and get rid of all of your experienced players.

'You don't want to sever ties completely with players like that because otherwise there'll be no one around who can teach new signings and younger players the ways of the club.'

Arsenal will have their first season without European football in 25 years. It is hard to imagine Campbell's teammates would allow such a scenario.