Arsenal had a disappointing end to the 2007/2008 season, failing once more to secure any silverware at the North London club.

The exit of Thierry Henry to Barcelona was a big loss for Arsene Wenger's side and he has struggled to replace the French striking ace. Henry was sensational during his time in the Premier League, an ever-consistent goalscorer who scared even the best defences. The crowds loved him and if Barcelona wanted to sell Henry then I'm sure Wenger would be in their like a shot.

However, this is just a dream and Arsenal need to build on their current young squad in the transfer window to keep pace with the other top three in the league. Although Emmanuel Adebayor scored a lot of goals last season and was a persistent threat in attack for the Gunners, I do not feel he can win the title for Wenger.

I think of him too much as goal poacher who lacks the overall quality of a top Premier League striker. It is his team-mates who are the real quality. Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabregas and Co. are the real stars at the Emirates Stadium and Adebayor with his wage demands should be shipped off to Europe during the summer so Arsenal can spend his transfer fee.

So who should Arsenal buy in the summer? My best bet is another French star in the Henry mould - Karim Benzema. The Lyon youngster is a top-class player and is still only 20 years of age. I have lost count of the number of important goals he has scored for his beloved French club as he has made himself an integral part of Lyon's title-winning side over the past couple of years.

He had a disappointing Euro 2008 with the French national side but, at such a young age, he has plenty of time to gain major honours. He was voted France's Player of the Year last season - indeed, he's regarded by many as the new Henry. Although he is contracted to Lyon until 2013, I am sure Wenger has the finances to buy the youngster out of his contract.

Benzema could be the Arsenal boss's new prodigy in his youthful squad. He would fit in well with the team and would not be nervous about starting life in the Premier League. Lyon are an excellent side but they will find it hard to gain European glory against the big English, Spanish and Italian clubs. A move to Arsenal would be great career development for the 20-year-old, though he may want to stay put for another season or so in France, having already won the last four French championships.

I could not think of a better manager than Wenger to bring the best out of his fellow countryman and Arsenal would really become a major force in the Premier League again with Benzema in attack alongside fellow youngsters Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner.

Arsenal need a top-class striker to mount a title challenge and Benzema is the man to do it. Now Wenger needs to use his famed powers of persuasion to entice him to the Emirates Stadium - just as he did with Henry.