UEFA Champions League: Arsenal in the Group Stage, but Will Arsene Wenger Spend?

Arsenal has advanced to the group stages of the UEFA Champions League with their 2-1 (3-1 aggregate) victory over Italian side Udinese on Wednesday, and with the guarantee of Champions League football, will Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger open his checkbook to improve the club before the transfer deadline?

Wenger has not been too busy in the summer transfer window, with his only major purchase being forward Gervinho from French side Lille.

The major summer transfers have been departures for the Gunners, as midfield duo Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri went to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively.

With a poor start to the Premier League season after earning a draw and a loss in their first two games, the security of European football may help Wenger lure top players to the London club.

Arsenal need a left-back, center-back and a playmaking midfielder. A proven goal scorer wouldn't be a bad addition either given that current Arsenal captain Robin van Persie has had numerous injuries over his career.

The club had real troubles scoring goals late last season, and they've scored zero goals in two Premier League matches this season.

Adding a striker like Karim Benzema of Real Madrid would be a perfect buy for Arsenal, who need an all-around talent up top.

But the Gunners need help in the back, and Yann M'Vila is perhaps the main target for Wenger.

The Rennes midfielder is gifted defensively and offensively, and could be the man to replace Cesc Fabregas as an attacking player, but could also be a Xabi Alonso-like player for Arsenal.

M'Vila would cost Arsenal a bit over £20 million, but he would be well worth the price.

Wenger needs to buy at least three players to strengthen the squad, because as currently constructed, Arsenal won't contend for any trophies.

Arsenal has plenty of money, a world-class manager, a state-of-the-art stadium and a dedicated fanbase. They have what it takes to attract top talent, and it's now up to Wenger to improve the squad with fresh talent.

Nicholas Goss is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report, follow him on Twitter.