Wenger: Arsenal only need ‘one or two top quality’ buys

Matt Stead

Arsene Wenger has suggested that Arsenal are only “one or two” signings away from challenging for top honours.

The Gunners failed in their late bid to qualify for the Champions League on Sunday, with Manchester City and Liverpool occupying the final two spots behind Chelsea and Tottenham on the final day.

It leaves Arsenal facing the prospect of not playing in Europe’s elite competition for the first time since 1997, and a relegation of sorts to the Europa League.

But Wenger feels as though this current crop of players only needs “one or two” additions in order to challenge for trophies.

They face Chelsea in the FA Cup final next week, but have not won the Premier League title since 2004.

“This group of players is good enough to come back,” Wenger said. “They’ve learned a lot. They’ve gone through difficult periods this season and bounced back in a very strong way. That will help them absolutely next season.

“You have to keep 90% of these players together and find one or two more to strengthen the group. You don’t need a lot. You need maybe top quality,”