The Gunners are set to strengthen their squad following another trophyless campaign, which could yet end with them having to qualify for the Champions League even if they beat Fulham in their final Barclays Premier League game tomorrow.

Wenger will aim to add experience to help his youngsters fulfil their potential with silverware, while also allowing those now surplus to requirements the opportunity to leave.

Arsenal have been linked with Bolton defender Gary Cahill and Everton centre-back Phil Jagielka. Both England internationals would come with inflated pricetags, but Wenger - if he feels strongly enough about a player - would be prepared to lay out a large chunk of his reported £35million transfer warchest.

"I like English players. They are good, but I have said the inflation for them is always very high," Wenger said.

"It is always a lot of money, but if we have to spend we will do it, if we are really convinced.

"On one player we can afford it, but it depends what will happen."

Wenger added: "We have lists - number one, two, three - and we will try to achieve them.

"Unfortunately it does not always go like planned. It is very difficult to make things happen.

"We will work on strengthening the team. We are definitely out on the market - that is for sure."

While it has been well documented Wenger has funds at his disposal, with that set for both transfer fees and wages, a major summer shopping spree remains unlikely.

"I will spend what is needed to spend," he said.

"It is very difficult to go out and say 'we have so much money', because then people wait for you.

"Like always we will try to buy at the right price, but we will try to invest."

Wenger added: "Our costs always go up - our wages go up, we renew contracts of the players, they know the prices which are available on the market, so the prices go up every year."

As well as looking for a few fresh faces, Wenger is determined to tie up French duo Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy on new deals rather than allow the scenario of either walking away on a free transfer at the end of the 2011/2012 campaign.

"We will sort that situation out quickly after the end of the season. We need to know very quickly," said the Arsenal boss.

"We won't allow that [contracts expire] to happen.

"It has to be resolved before the season starts again."

Were Arsenal to finish fourth tomorrow, Wenger accepts he could not deny it would represent a step backwards.

"What will I say? I will say nothing. It is true," Wenger said.

"Overall I feel the season is decided by some key moments that happened a few weeks ago [in the Carling Cup final defeat to Birmingham]."