Manchester United great Roy Keane has stated why he believes Arsenal stand no chance of finishing in the top four in the upcoming season.

The Gunners finished a disappointing fifth last term, having looked on track to qualify for the Champions League.

So far the London club have strengthened their ranks with the acquisition of Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Marquinhos, Matt Turner and Fabio Vieira.

The signings has led to them being placed among many pundits’ favourites to finish in the top four this campaign.

But Keane has insisted that Arsenal remain week in key areas, despite their summer activity.

He posited that the inexperienced make-up of Arsenal’s squad means they are at a disadvantage.

He tipped Antonio Conte’s Tottenham and former club United to battle for the final place in the top four.

“I think last season was their big opportunity [to return to the Champions League]. They blew it, they got into a great position, four, five games to go in the season you think they’re in pole position and they blew it. They couldn’t get over the line,” Keane told Sky Bet.

“They were poor, the Newcastle game was a real blow to them where they never turned up. The manager was quite critical of them after the game, some of the players were senior ones. So you wouldn’t be putting any bets on Arsenal to finish top four next season because of the other teams.

“Manchester United will get better you’d of thought. Tottenham will be stronger, so you can’t see it for Arsenal, big set-back. The way they finished last season was a big setback. Arsenal should be competing for a top-four so to come up short and finish behind Tottenham was a hammer blow.”

Keane added:“There’s still softness to the group. Okay, they’re young and sometimes you need experienced lads to get you over the line in the big games. But there’s a softness to them, even the two centre-halves, they’re not convincing.”

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