Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes the club's pursuit of Liverpool striker Luis Suarez shows the club are now prepared to spend big for their targets. "It was a demonstration to Arsenal fans," said Keown.
"The club were saying 'We have £40m there. We have tried to buy someone else's best player for a change'. It has shown how serious Arsenal are about spending money.
"In the past, Arsene has nurtured them, then lost them just when they are at their best, as was the case with Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie.
"Now he needs to go out and buy an obvious talent, someone who is going to hit the ground running, and they don't come cheap.
"Fair play to Liverpool for hanging on to Suarez but Arsenal still need to buy two or three players. If they do, I think there is a real chance."
Keown highlighted the impact made by Dennis Bergkamp when he joined Arsenal in 1995.
"Arsenal won 10 and drew two of their final 12 games last season. That was championship form," added Keown.
"I just feel if you are in the camp, you need a new signing, someone who makes you believe you are going in the right direction.
"It happened for us with Dennis Bergkamp. People asked why we were signing him.
"They didn't think he was going to be there for long but he ended up being one of the most successful overseas players ever to play in the Premier League.
"Maybe someone else can come in and do the same thing."