Pires: Wenger Must Continue to Spend Big in January

Robert Pires has urged Arsene Wenger to once again spend big in the January transfer window in order to keep Arsenal in contention for a first league title since 2004.

The former France international was a member of the history making title winning side as Arsenal remained undefeated throughout the season but there has been little to celebrate for supporters since this achievement.

Pires believes that there are signs that this current squad can go on to enjoy major success and emulate the side of the late 1990's and early 2000's that was constantly in contention for major honours both domestically and in Europe.

Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League table after picking up 16 points from their opening seven games, with club record signing Mesut Ozil earning rave reviews for his performances in the heart of midfield.

Pires believes that while Ozil has helped to improve the first team, he feels Wenger must once again look to make further additions to the squad in January if the club are to push on and compete for titles.

"If you look at all the successful clubs who won titles and trophies, they always buy after they have been successful," Pires told the Mirror.

"There is no question that Arsenal are at a high level at this moment. They are playing to the kind of football played during my time at the club. And Ozil - well, he is world-class.

"But their appears to be a new financial philosophy at Arsenal now. Arsene can spend money, more than he has been able to do before and I believe he should add to the squad when he can."

Wenger was initially criticised for his transfer activity in the summer when only free agents Yaya Sanogo and Mathieu Flamini were signed before the 3-1 opening day loss to Aston Villa.

However, after Ozil arrived from Real Madrid for £42.5m the north London club have remained unbeaten in all competitions, with Flamini also receiving a great deal of praise for his influential performances.