Arsenal need an expensive new spine

The key problem that Arsene Wenger must address this summer is the same one he has faced for the past two close seasons. After another campaign of underachievement, it is blatantly clear that Arsenal need a stronger spine.

Specifically, he needs a new goalkeeper, a defensive midfielder and a centre forward. He would also benefit from signing a centre back as William Gallas’ vulnerability to injury means he cannot be trusted to last a season.

Starting from the back, Wenger must admit what everybody else has been saying: neither of his two goalkeepers are good enough for a side with title ambitions. Manuel Almunia is a sufficent No 2, Lukasz Fabianski is simply not up to the job.

Quite why Wenger did not sign Hugo Lloris from Nice two years ago is a mystery, especially given the manager’s scouting network in France. Having worked in French media, even I knew that Lloris would soon become his country’s best goalkeeper. Now at Lyons and with his reputation further improved, Lloris would not be cheap but he would suit Arsenal.

At centre back, Wenger needs a player with a big personality: a Tony Adams-type figure that the side sorely lacks. You look through the Arsenal team and see no natural winners, with the possible exception of Cesc Fabregas. Sol Campbell could provide back-up for another year - though that should mean selling Mikael Silvestre - but they need somebody in his prime.

They need a similarly forceful presence to bolster their midfield, a Gilberto Silva-type player whose experience young players such as Abou Diaby and Alexandre Song would benefit from. The outstanding candidate for me is Scott Parker. His hunger and defensive strength would complement the abilities of Arsenal’s several creative midfielders, too.

Up front Marouane Chamakh could provide the solution to their shortcoming. He is an excellent player and a far better alternative than Nicklas Bendtner who should be no more than a squad player for a side such as Arsenal. Liverpool have discovered to their cost that you cannot mount a serious challenge relying on only one top-class target man.

Wenger could have signed Chamakh last summer but chose to wait until now as his contract has expired. It is understandable that Wenger should want to save several million pounds but he cannot afford to continue to be so frugal. If Arsenal are to challenge for the Premier League and the Champions League next season, Wenger must be prepared to make a big outlay this summer even that means slightly overspending, something that is anathema to him.

For Manchester United and Chelsea have declined over the past 12 months and I expect them to make significant additions. Wenger cannot afford to be left behind and the club will only grow if he brings success. It may cost him a few million more in the immediate future but it could leave the club short-changed to a much greater amount in the long term.