Mesut Ozil urges Arsene Wenger to “strengthen” the Arsenal squad this summer

Mesut Ozil has urged Arsenal to sign more players in the summer after failing to match "big clubs" in Europe.

One of the major criticisms aimed at Arsene Wenger over the last few years is that the Arsenal manager is unwilling to spend big money on new signings, and when he does the Frenchman doesn't do so effectively.

The Gunners' transfer policy is arguably the leading cause behind their drop behind a host of other top Premier League sides with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City investing heavily in recent seasons.

Ozil - Arsenal's record signing at £42.5m - says that any new signings will be down to Wenger and the board, but has urged the club to invest in more players at the end of the season.

The German highlighted Arsenal's failures in the Champions League as a key reason that they needed more depth in their team.

Ozil told the Daily Mail: "I think the club know they need to strengthen. But what's most important is the manager's opinion. He and the club will make the decision.

"When you look at our squad, it's not as broad as Bayern's or Real Madrid's. In the Champions League, that's not enough, especially against big teams, because they have more breadth in their squad."

Arsenal's top five most expensive signings:

1) Mesut Ozil - £42.5m (from Real Madrid)

2) Shkodran Mustafi - £35m (Valencia)

3) Granit Xhaka - £35m (Borussia Monchengladbach)

4) Alexis Sanchez - £30m (Barcelona)

5) Lucas Perez - £17.1m (Deportivo La Coruna)