Arsenal are one marquee signing away from challenging for the Champions League, according to shareholder Alisher Usmanov.

Arsenal are one marquee signing away from challenging for the Champions League, according to shareholder Alisher Usmanov.

Arsene Wenger has bolstered his squad for the signing of goalkeeper Petr Cech from Chelsea for £11 million, while the club have not given up on a move for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.Theo Walcott has been preferred up front in recent months, with Olivier Giroud's form inconsistent and Danny Welbeck struggling with fitness, and Usmanov feels the squad need one more star to challenge Europe's elite.
"If there aren't [any] severe injuries, he's got a great chance to compete with teams like Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City," he told CNN.
"The championship will be decided between these four teams. With the team that Arsene has put together, except for one position, I think it's a club that's ready to successfully fight for European cups."
Goal understands Arsenal are prepared to spend up to £40m on Benzema as they look to make the striker their marquee summer signing following the arrivals of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in the last two years.
Wenger is understood to have told confidants that, if he cannot land Benzema, he is happy to continue with Olivier Giroud, Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck as his options up front.