Ray Parlour has claimed that former club Arsenal must be active in the summer transfer window if they want to challenge for next season's Premier League title.

The Gunners are currently level on points with second-placed Manchester City, though Arsene Wenger's side have a game in hand.

While he admits that finishing as runners-up behind newly-crowned champions Chelsea would be a big achievement for Arsenal, Parlour believes that the club needs to spend money at the end of the campaign in order to boost their chances of lifting the trophy next term.

"They have the FA Cup final to look forward to, but second place would be a very good season," he told Sky Sports News. "Then they have to look at how can we topple Chelsea, how can we get closer at this stage of the season to really give us a chance with three or four games left to win the league [next season].

"Arsene Wenger definitely needs to buy players and during the summer is going to be very important and not just for Arsenal. Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool will all strengthen and the transfer market is going to be very competitive with players available.

"Who is going to go where will be the key next year. Arsenal need to keep their nucleus of players and also bring in some more quality in certain areas to really challenge Chelsea."

Arsenal continue their Premier League campaign on May 11 when they welcome Swansea City to the Emirates Stadium.