Robert Pires thinks the time has come for Arsenal to splash out on new signings

Arsenal great Robert Pires says the time has come for his old club to "spend a lot of money" on the squad in a bid for silverware next season.

And the former France international agrees that Monaco striker Kylian Mbappe would be a suitable, albeit "very, very expensive", target for the Gunners.

Pires was with Arsenal between 2000-2006, winning a pair of Premier League titles, plus two FA Cups.

The Gunners have not claimed the title since he left but Pires thinks that can change if they are able to add to their squad this summer.

Pires told Sky Sports News HQ: "To buy some players, you need to spend a lot of money - and why not?

"The first objective is to lift a trophy at the end of the season."

The prodigiously talented Mbappe has emerged as one of the hottest properties in Europe and is rumoured to be Arsenal's top target.

And Pires thinks Mbappe would be a pricey acquisition but potentially a crucial one.

"Kylian Mbappe is very good," said Pires. "He is young, he needs to prove, he is only 18, but he is a great player, everybody knows.

"In France, he played very well for Monaco in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.

"But, you know, Mbappe is very, very expensive!"

Arsenal have yet to agree new contracts for Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, and Pires thinks keeping the duo is also vital if a title challenge is to be mounted.

"Sanchez and Ozil are very important players, for their ability, their quality," he added.

"Arsene Wenger [manager] has a lot of work for this summer!"

Robert Pires was speaking to Sky Sports News HQ at the launch of the new Arsenal home kit at King's Cross.