Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is prepared to spend in this summer's market to bridge the gap with Europe's best teams.

The Sun says billionaire shareholder Stan Kroenke has promised Wenger the financial backing to go out and sign the established international players Arsenal are crying out for.

Frustrated directors almost had to prise the £15million out of Wenger's grip to sign Andrey Arshavin in the final minutes of the January transfer window.

But the success of the Russian superstar has convinced the manager that he CAN find a quick fix in the transfer market this summer.

Top of Wenger's priority list is at least one strong, quick and experienced centre-half to replace William Gallas and, perhaps, Kolo Toure. He also wants a talismanic centre-forward to rival the likes of Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba and Wayne Rooney.

Then there is a powerful ball-winner to give muscular protection to midfield lightweights Arshavin, Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott.

None of this will come cheaply but Wenger knows the alternative is the risk of falling even further behind United, Chelsea and Liverpool next season.