Usmanov: Arsenal just one man short

“If there aren’t [any] severe injuries, he’s got a great chance to compete with teams like Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City”.

Wilshere will miss Sunday’s Premier League season opener with West Ham and is also likely out of England’s Euro 2016 qualifying Group E fixtures with San Marino and Switzerland next month.

In the previous three summers Arsene Wenger has made major signings, with Santi Cazorla joining from Malaga, Mesut Ozil signing from Real Madrid, becoming Arsenal’s record transfer, and Alexis Sanchez joining from Barcelona.

“The championship will be decided between these four teams. I think Giroud is doing really well – he went on to score 14 goals in 18 games, that’s fantastic”, Henry told talkSPORT.

The comments caused quite a stir, but again Henry has repeated his sentiments, and explained why the London side needs an attacker like Benzema up front.

“Arsene had a very, very hard position when club shareholders didn’t want to put their money into constructing the new stadium, and because of this he lost five years, maybe the best of his career, without a trophy”.

Arsenal representatives are travelling to Spain to negotiate a deal for Real Madrid star Karim Benzema, according to respected journalist Emanuele Giulianelli.

“He came back in good shape and should be available to play in 10 days”, Wenger said at his pre-match press conference.

Meanwhile, Wenger has also confirmed what we knew about Alexis Sanchez – that he will be on an extended break after his Copa America expeditions.