Michael Owen is pundit for new channel BT Sport Photo: BT

Michael Owen believes Arsenal need to sign a world-class striker if they are to have any chance of challenging for the Premier League title this season.

The Gunners have had two bids rejected by Liverpool for want-away striker Luis Suárez so far this summer and were also linked with a surprise move for Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney at the end of last season.

Arsenal have so far only signed 20-year-old French striker Yaya Sanogo from Auxerre on a free transfer this summer.

And former England international Owen feels that Arsene Wenger is in need of another top-class forward if the north Londoners are to launch a Premier League title assault in 2013-14.

“Arsenal’s prospects depend largely on their transfer activity, but if they don’t manage to secure a world-class striker, a top four position should still be achievable,” Owen told sportlobster.com.

“In their first season Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski scored a combined 22 league goals, bettering [Robin] van Persie’s initial tally in England of four – but the addition to the squad of a more prolific striker could make a huge difference.”

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo in recent days.