Former Real Madrid Player Has Opinion on Arsenal's Future

Former Real Madrid player Christian Karembeu believes Arsenal need two signings to compete for the Premier League next year. The ex-France international was a member of the World Cup-winning squad of 1998 and is believed to be a close friend of Gunners' boss Arsene Wenger.

"They finished the season very well, so I think they only need two players. It was hard work but they came through and got fourth place. It means they are not far off being a great team," the 42-year-old explained.

Arsenal finished 16 points behind eventual champions Manchester United and the Gunners' boss has reportedly been handed £70m to spend on summer signings. And according to the Telegraph, among the big names linked to the Emirates are Real Madrid strikers Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema, as also Fiorentina's Stevan Jovetic.

The former midfielder also spoke on the Champions League final, scheduled for Saturday evening at Wembley. The showpiece event will be between reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich and former champions Borussia Dortmund, making it the first all-German final in the history of the tournament.

"I have not been surprised by these German teams [doing so well]. They [Germany] have great players in Ozil, Khedira, Schweinsteiger and Reus, who have been allowed to mature. I'm sure English teams will be looking at Germany [for signings]," Karembeu explained.

"For me it is Bayern all the way. I know Jupp and Franck so I have to say that. The final will bring back all the memories for me. They were a dream come true. I started playing in 1988 and ten years later lifted the European Cup, which was a big achievement in Madrid. The Champions League is such a great competition for me," he added.