Arsenal shareholder tips Gunners for Champions League challenge

Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov has claimed that Arsene Wenger is one player shy of boasting a squad capable of launching an assault on the Champions League.

The Gunners have been tipped as dark horses for the Premier League title this season after beating champions Chelsea to clinch the Community Shield on Sunday.

The arrival of goalkeeper Petr Cech has added to the feel-good factor in North London, but Usmanov, who owns 30% of Arsenal, says that one more buy will see them challenge in Europe too.

"If there aren't [any] severe injuries, he's got a great chance to compete with teams like Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City," he told CNN.

"The championship will be decided between these four teams.

"With the team that Arsene has put together, except for one position, I think it's a club that's ready to successfully fight for European cups."

Wenger's side, who reached the final of Europe's elite competition in 2006 before losing to Barcelona, have suffered last-16 exits in each of the last five seasons.