Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger plans to spend £20 million on a new striker and a new defender this summer.
The Mail on Sunday says Wenger is being backed in his desire to improve the squad by the club’s renegade shareholder Alisher Usmanov.
Wenger is deliberating over several targets but his priorities are an experienced defender and a young forward to replace Emmanuel Adebayor, who the club are willing to sell to AC Milan.
He is unlikely to strengthen his midfield, even though senior players want him to sign an experienced partner for Cesc Fabregas.
Liverpool’s Xabi Alonso would top the list if any midfielders were recruited, but the defence is seen as more important.