Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has suggested that Arsenal’s failure to advance in the UEFA Champions League was due to the club’s board failing to provide adequate funding last summer.

Arsenal were unbeaten in The Premiership throughout the 2003-04 season but currently sit 10 points behind leaders Chelsea and have once again failed to make an impact in Europe.

“We did something brilliant last year, so no one noticed that no one came into the squad during the summer,” Henry told the Evening Standard.

“If you look at the money the club spent, we are not out there, even with the likes of Tottenham and Birmingham.

Arsenal are in the process of building a new ground at an estimated cost of £350m and the huge outlay has hindered manager Arsene Wenger’s attempts to strengthen his squad.

“The only people you can ask the question to is the board,” added Henry.

“That is not my job (spending money) – the one I have out there is difficult enough.

“We have to squeeze our teeth for the new stadium for a little while.”