Graham urges Wenger to bring out the cheque book

Former Arsenal manager George Graham wants current boss Arsene Wenger to spend big on players with experience.

Graham believes Arsenal need to sign three players with enough experience to slot into the first-team straight away rather than needing time to develop in the academy and reserves, otherwise the club will struggle to qualify for the Champions League.

“They need experienced, outstanding players and I think they need about another three in the side at the present time,” Graham told BBC Radio 5Live’s Sportsweek.

“They’ve got the money, let’s sit down, get some of these players in he’s supposed to be after and let’s see if they can start winning trophies again.”

Wenger has been criticised in recent times for his refusal to spend money on experienced players, despite the funds being available, and his philosophy of moulding and developing young players has come under fire after Arsenal’s poor start.

Now, Graham believes that Wenger must find a solution quickly, otherwise he will face mounting pressure.

“They have big signs at the club saying ‘Arsene knows’. Well I hope he does,” Graham said.

“I think he’s going to be there this season. I think he’s under a little bit of pressure just now from the fans.”

“But I think Arsene, if he sits down and is honest with himself, he’ll put it all back together again. But he needs to do some hard thinking.”

“Please get the cheque book out Arsene.”

“I think they need another centre-half, I think they still need a strong, outstanding, experienced midfield and I still think they need an out-and-out striker like a [Thierry] Henry.”

Arsenal next face a difficult away trip to Udinese in their Champions League, before then travelling to Old Trafford to face champions Manchester United in their next Premier League match.