Arsenal fans have been handed a boost in the chances of the club making a big summer signing, following the comments of Alisher Usmanov.
The 61-year-old has agreed with a belief that has been on the lips of Gunners fans this summer, after stating the club are still one signing away from European glory.
Since the £11million arrival of Petr Cech, there has been little to shout about in the way of transfer activity, after being linked with the likes of Karim Benzema and Alexandre Lacazette.
However, Usmanov has now heaped speculation on the chances of bringing a new face to the Emirates, with his involvement in the club being a major influence.
Usmanov has been a shareholder at Arsenal since 2007, and currently owns significantly less than main owner, Stan Kroenke, with just 15% of the club.
After staking an open letter to the clubs board of directors in 2012 with regards to their poor transfer business, Usmanov became a figure head for pushing through transfer business.
And the Russian billionaire has yet again argued his opinions today whilst talking to CNN, as he believes there is still work to be done if Arsenal are to become an elite club;
Except for one position, I think Arsenal are ready to successfully fight for European cups.
Despite a strong end to the 2014/15 campaign, an FA Cup trophy and a series of impressive pre-season performances, Arsenal are still being heavily criticised in the attacking area.
The likes of Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott have failed to help mount a serious title challenge in previous seasons, and the Arsenal community are urging for a fresh face.
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Chief director, Lord Harris, has confirmed that the club have a transfer budget well in excess of bringing a player of the highest quality in.
And although Wenger has dismissed reports of having £200million to play with, or even ruling out a move for Benzema, Arsenal fans will be encouraged by the comments of Usmanov, who admitted he shared their frustrations during the last decade;
Arsene had a very, very difficult position when club shareholders didn’t want to put their money into constructing the new stadium.
Because of this Wenger lost five years, maybe the best of his career, without a trophy. In reality, 10 years.
If I had the right, I would keep Arsene until he wants because he cannot perform his activity as a manager, it is a gift for any club to have a coach like Arsene Wenger.
If any sort of deal is in the process, it will most likely be concluded towards the end of the season, something the Gunners boss is famed for.
With just three days before the beginning of the Premier League campaign, Wenger will most likely be preparing his squad to face West Ham.
Stick with Fresh Arsenal throughout the rest of the week to get everything you need to know regarding match information and transfer talk.
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