Arsenal transfer news: Gunners need defender in John Terry mould says John Hartson

Arsenal need at least three more signings if they are to challenge for next season's Premier League title, according to former striker John Hartson. England international Jamie Vardy looks likely to become the club's second addition this summer, but there are calls for manager Arsene Wenger to further improve his squad after 12 years without winning the championship.

Switzerland's Granit Xhaka became the first purchase made by the Gunners when he joined from FC Basel, and BBC Sport understand Vardy is considering a contract offer of £120,000 ($174,000) a week after the North London match his reported £20m release clause – but a decision is not expected until after the summer's European Championships. The spate of spending is a strong response to critics of Wenger, who has previously been frugal in the transfer market.

But according to Hartson, who played for Arsenal from 1995 and 1997 – including a spell under Wenger – the club need further additions in order to remain competitive. A new forward, another midfielder and a defender in the mould of Chelsea captain John Terry are required, according to the Welshman.

"I think there is a lot more to come," he told Talksport of Arsenal's transfer plans. "He has been criticised for not winning the title in 12 years – rightly so because it is far too long to go without the Premier League

"But h

e gets away with it because his Champions League record is remarkable and the money Arsene Wenger has brought into the club is phenomenal in terms of what they get now for getting through to the knockout stages of the Champions League.

"I think he will bring in another two – maybe another striker, another midfield player and a solid defender in the old-fashioned mould of John Terry. There is money there to spend and Arsenal will have a really, really big push I feel next season. The money is there and I think Arsene Wenger will go and spend it."