Thierry Henry has said the addition of Karim Benzema could turn Arsenal into genuine Premier League title contenders.
Real Madrid striker Benzema, 27, has been linked with a summer transfer to Arsenal this summer, although Madrid manager Rafa Benitez has said he will be remaining at the Bernabeu.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has stressed that he has never mentioned Benzema other than as a response to questions about the rumoured link.
However, Gunners legend Henry hopes his former club can land the France international.
"I always say it's their year but there is a genuine buzz around the place right now," Henry told talkSPORT.
"I think they can challenge this year for real if they stay injury-free.
"Giroud alone as a striker there -- you can't win the league, you need another type of striker. I think Giroud is doing really well -- he went on to score 14 goals in 18 games, that's amazing.
"But sometimes you need a different type of striker, and I think that if they can get Benzema suddenly they are a real title contender and also in the Champions League."
Benzema, who signed for Real from Lyon in 2009, scored 15 La Liga goals in 29 appearances last season and recorded 10 assists.