Arsenal will not be in top four: Owen

Former England and Liverpool striker Michael Owen has said that despite Arsenal splashing cash to recruit Barcelona and Chilean star Alexis Sanchez, the North London club will fail to finish in the top four of the English Premier League.

According to Owen, who moved to Spanish giants Real Madrid from Liverpool, Arsenal had "lagged a step behind" other clubs.

"I have been really impressed with Arsenal's signing of Sanchez," he said. "They have been missing a bit of quality but (they'll miss out).

"The signing of Sanchez has made everyone sit up and take note. I really do rate him, he's a top player and it's a big step in the right direction," Owen was quoted as saying by talkSPORT.

Owen picked Chelsea, defending champions Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool to finish above Arsenal and take the top four spots.

"But, in no particular order, my top four for next season would be Chelsea, Mancheste City, Man United and Liverpool.

"Arsenal haven't had any real stand out players in the last few years, like Thierry Henry. They have just lagged a step behind," said Owen.

Arsenal finished fourth last season behind champions City, Liverpool and London rivals Chelsea.