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Arsene Wenger has finally declared lift-off.

The Arsenal manager said there will be "a lot of activity" between now and the end of the transfer window before it shuts on September 2.

Wenger is lining up his ducks in a row: Karim Benzema, Yohan Cabaye, Angel Di Maria, Asmir Begovic, Micah Richards. They want a top quality striker, midfielder, defender and keeper.

It's a trolley dash but on a grander scale thanks to Arsenal's "escalation of financial firepower" as chief executive Ivan Gazidis called it.

Little did Gazidis know, back in June, when - myself included - he invited a few journalists into the Arsenal boardroom that his remark to illustrate Arsenal's new found wealth would provide the narrative for the transfer window.

It would, however, appear that Arsene Wenger does not like to be told how to do things. Arsenal have been trying to do deals since day one but Wenger clearly thinks the timings are different.

After Arsenal's brilliant win in Fenerbahce, Wenger said: "You have to understand there is still a long way to go. The transfer market starts for me now and a lot of activity will happen between now and September 2. From August 21 until September 2 you have 12 days, so a lot will happen. It starts now."

(Image: Reuters)

Despite having big money to spend, I get the impression that Wenger is a lot more comfortable that Arsenal are seemingly on their way into the Champions League Group stages.

The win in Istanbul was hugely impressive and instructive. Arsenal's midfield was outstanding as Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky were brilliant. But they only had Emmanuel Frimpong on the bench.

Laurent Koscielny went off injured with an awful gash . Bacary Sagna had to slot in to take his place at centre back. That shows you how short they are in defence.

Up front, Olivier Giroud scored a penalty but missed chances and still looks a work in progress. To compete for silverware, Arsenal need an upgrade and a striker to compete, push and complement Giroud.

Arsenal need numbers, quality and depth. If they could do a keeper deal then surely tried and trusted - like Asmir Begovic - would be more reliable than another punt on a keeper from Spain.

They have already enquired after Karim Benzema, as revealed in Mirror Sport . German clubs are in for Lukas Podolski and maybe if they shift him then Arsenal will pursue an interest in Angel Di Maria.

Arsenal still want Yohan Cabaye - but will they pay £20m? They have looked at Micah Richards, Ashley Williams and Sevilla's France international Geoffrey Kondogbia. They need depth and quality.

If Wenger can do these deals - or at least three or four (striker, keeper, defender, midfielder) - then Arsenal will really be in business.

They have injuries so the squad is light. Mikel Arteta, Thomas Vermaelen and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all out long term. But a top team should be able to cope with four absentees.

Arsenal are light on players, big on heart and need more quality. Finding the balance between big signings and keeping the spirit in the dressing room is Wenger's challenge.

They made an awful start against Aston Villa. Now the patched-up team must get a result at Fulham. Is that good preparation for the season? No. Even if deals are done now it's still inexcusable to leave it so late.

Successful clubs generally don't panic buy. They get business done early.

Arsenal have been in for players of the calibre of Higuain, Suarez and Gustavo. Liverpool wouldn't sell, Real Madrid shifted the goalposts on Higuain and Gustavo wanted first team assurances which Wenger couldn't offer.

Maybe he should have on Gustavo as the Bayern Munich midfielder wanted to come. It was the same with Phil Jones. He met Wenger. No guarantees. A while later, he met Sir Alex Ferguson who convinced he could captain Manchester United. The power of persuasion.

Arsenal need to get it right now. They could have a big season if they get the deals over the line. They are going for it. They will be judged on the deals from now.

The squad has great qualities. That was shown in Istanbul. But it needs reinforcing. Will Real Madrid sell Benzema? That's a big question. Maybe they will if they can get Suarez. But anything less than a big name striker then there will be a sense of disappointment for Arsenal fans.

Over to you, Arsene.