Former vice-chairman David Dein has backed Arsenal to spend big this summer with Iker Casillas and Asmir Begovic top targets.

Boss Arsene Wenger is under increasing pressure as the London club contemplate an eighth season without a major trophy.

Their battle to qualify for the Champions League is also of major concern to the club's board, who fear a massive drop in income should they fail to catch either Chelsea or Spurs and finish in the top four.

That has led to speculation regarding the future of Wenger, with some sections of the club's support questioning whether a change is needed at the top.

Dein was heavily involved in the appointment of the former Monaco boss in 1996 and worked closely alongside him until his departure in 2007.

He has backed the Frenchman to turn the club's fortunes around but concedes the club needs to invest heavily in the playing squad over the summer.

Dein said: "The fact is he has to strengthen the team and I know he will do that.

"He is one of the best managers in the world, he's been coaching for 30 years and knows what he is doing.

"He knows what he wants and it's just a question of identifying the right talent."

It is believed a goalkeeper is high on Arsenal's hitlist, with Wojciech Szczesny currently out of favour and Lukasz Fabianski yet to convince the boss he is a viable long-term option.

Spain captain Iker Casillas, who has lost his place in the Real Madrid first-team, is the latest name to emerge as a target in recent media reports.

Stoke stopper Asmir Begovic is also believed to be attracting interest from the Gunners. The Potters appeared to be preparing for the Bosnian's departure when they signed Birmingham 'keeper Jack Butland in January.

Manchester United were believed to be leading the chase for the 25-year-old, but that interest had now faded following the recent form of David De Gea.

[cat_link cat="arsenal" type="grid"]