Arsenal, despite being one of the biggest clubs in the world, are usually the quietest on the transfer market. Wenger believes in picking and choosing one or two gems a season to better his young team.
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said what every Arsenal and soccer fan have been hearing for nearly a decade: "We will sign quality, not quantity."
So what are these quality signings which will make Arsenal into a title contending team?
Depth in squad is key to winning the league over 38 gruelling games. Therefore, it is not just about having a great starting XI; a championship-caliber team also needs bench strength to make up for the eventual injuries. Lukas Podolski's signing has already been sealed and if Wenger can add a couple more "quality" signings, Arsenal might just end their 7-year wait for a trophy. Here's a look at what Wenger needs for the upcoming season.
1. Clint Dempsey: The American has just one year remaining on his contract with Fulham. The Texan has made no secrets about his desire to play in the Champions League. At 29, he is not exactly an Arsene Wenger type of signing, but Dempsey proved his worth last year by scoring 23 goals. The Fulham player of the year has bags of experience in the Premier League and can play at center forward or on either wings. The American has plenty of quality and goals in him and will be well within Arsenal's budget.
Transfer fee: $10 million
2. Yann M'Vila: Ever since the legendary Patrick Vieira left North London, Arsenal fans have been crying out for a replacement. Abou Diaby showed flashes of being the next Vieira, but with the Frenchman consigned to the treatment table more than the field, that never quite materialised. In M'Vila, Arsenal have the perfect potential replacement for their ex-captain. The defensive midfielder has the skills to read the game and make the correct pass and he will give Arsenal the backbone they have been missing for a while now. M'Vila will also take the heavy load away from Alex Song, allowing the Cameroon international to progress further. The only problem though, if Wenger does sign, Arsenal will have to pay Rennes $26 million, making him the most expensive Arsenal signing ever.
Transfer fee: $26 million
3. Nuri Sahin: The Turkey midfielder had a disastrous first season with Real, missing much of the campaign with a serious injury. Sahin is a player of immense talent. He led Borussia Dortmund to the German title in 2010-11 and has the skills to make him feel right at home with Arsenal. While Sahin has said he wants to stay at Real, Mourinho might not be averse to selling the player seeing as how plush he is with creative midfielders.
Transfer fee: $20 million
4. Alan Dzagoev: Arsene Wenger made a little Russian the club's most expensive signing ever. Andrei Arshavin might not have justified that billing in his time with the Gunners, but in Dzagoev, Arsenal can have another Russian maestro. Dzagoev is out of contract in January, so will not cost much if Wenger goes in for him in the summer. The CSKA Moscow midfielder is capable of finding the killer pass and, at 21, can form a brilliant partnership with Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey for years to come.
Transfer fee: $10-20 million
5. Hugo Rodallega: Yes, he is not a great player. Not exactly a shoo in for the starting line up. However, the Colombian striker is a free agent and can be the perfect Wenger signing. He's still only 26 years old and was constantly linked with Arsenal last summer when he had a stellar season for Wigan. Rodallega can be the player to come off the bench or fill in the void when the likes of Robin Van Persie and Podolski need a rest.
Transfer fee: Free
6. Fernando Llorente: Finally, and this is only if Van Persie leaves, Llorente is capable of taking up the mantle of the number one striker. He has strength, skill and physical presence, making him perfect for the Premier League. The Athletic Bilbao striker will cost a lot of money, but Wenger will be desperate to make a statement by buying someone big, if Van Persie leaves.
Transfer fee: $40-45 million
