I've won the Premier League twice – this is why Arsenal have fallen short under Mikel Arteta

Ex-Manchester City centre-back Joleon Lescott believes a lack of squad depth has prevented Arsenal from claiming the Premier League title in recent seasons.

The Gunners have invested approximately £250million during the summer transfer window following three successive runners-up finishes. Mikel Arteta has secured just one trophy throughout his six-year tenure at the Emirates, despite being so close to lifting the league title.

Three years ago, they topped the table for substantial periods before being overtaken by Manchester City. The subsequent season saw them finish merely two points below Pep Guardiola's side.

Last year, a rampant Liverpool proved beyond the Gunners' grasp, leaving them as second-best once more. Despite their squad receiving considerable reinforcement this summer, Lescott remains unconvinced that Arteta's troops are ready to be crowned champions, suggesting an inadequate amount of squad depth has hindered their previous efforts.

"Two years ago, I thought it was their best chance. That was the one. With great respect to Arsenal, I still feel they're waiting for City and Liverpool to have an off-season," said Lescott, speaking on In The Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet.

"Whereas City and Liverpool are not waiting; they're just having good seasons. Arsenal could even have their best season, but they still might not win.

"Probably this season, they'll be closer because of their squad. I think it was their squad [that stopped them from winning the league before]."

He added: "No one can guarantee that their best XI will always be available. However, I believe their squad is now better equipped to handle injuries and suspensions."

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When questioned about Arteta's lack of silverware during his tenure at the Emirates, Lescott suggested that a successful season from clubs undergoing changes could raise some difficult questions.

"It's a significant question mark if, for instance, City are in a transitional phase now - if they finish above Arsenal, I'll be questioning Arteta," he said.

"If City are revamping their squad and then become Liverpool's main competitor, that would raise a big question mark. Liverpool are doing the same, changing players and have changed their manager.

"It's not as simple as, 'He [Arteta] has been there six years, he should just be getting on with it.' The other teams are striving for what you're trying to achieve. Yet they're altering their squads and managers and are still more competitive than Arsenal."

Despite the recruitment of players like Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze this summer, Lescott still believes Arsenal are quite a way off from winning the league and are, in fact, closer to becoming European champions.

Following the Gunners' 2-0 away win over Athletic Club on Tuesday in the Champions League, Lescott added: "I actually think they're closer to the Champions League than the Premier League. They could just get a lucky draw, and winning the Champions League doesn't mean you have to beat the best teams every time."

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