Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes the club’s hunt for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez shows that they are finally prepared to spend big and it should give The Gunners fans some hope for the future.
The North-London based club have already had two bids rejected from Liverpool, but manager Arsene Wenger is not ready to give up on his pursuit just yet as he is plotting a third bid worth up to £50million.
Despite looking unlikely to sign Suarez this summer, Keown believes the intent is there and the former-Gunner believes that should give fans hope for the future.
“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 also highlighted the moment Arsenal signed Dennis Bergkamp and how much of an impact that had on the team back then.
The former-defender believes a high-profile signing this summer could do the same to the current crop at the Emirates Stadium.
“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.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
