Arsenal legend Paul Merson has ripped into the club's technical director Edu.
The Brazilian, who was a player at Arsenal for four years, has been at the club since 2019 as a technical director.
However, the Gunners have finished eighth in two seasons since Edu came into that role.
Merson told Sky Sports: "It's worrying at Arsenal. You're still thinking: "Where are they going?"
"Edu has come in, and the recruitment has been lazy, if I'm being honest. It's been: "Oh, we'll take Willian on a free… we'll take David Luiz for cheap."
"I remember years ago in football, managers were judged on signings. Sometimes I think Arteta is left behind, and I'm not sure how much of a say he has got in all of this.
"Why would you let Joe Willock go? I'm not saying he's the answer, but he's come through the club and is going for £25m, that sort of money isn't going to change Arsenal.
"It's not like a Harry Kane or Jack Grealish sale where you get £100m and can rebuild the team.
"But Arsenal are prepared to pay Willian big money. Where is the future in that? It's quick fixes. Surely Willock is a future player and for the present, and can be involved in the plan.
"Jonny Evans is a good example. I was calling for Arsenal to sign him when he left West Brom – a very good player, who was at Manchester United at the wrong time.
"He would have been a success. But it felt like Arsenal didn't sign him because he played for West Brom. "How can Arsenal be signing players from West Brom?"
"My question to Edu would be: "What's the plan?""