Former Arsenal star Paul Merson believes that the club is cheating their fans by not buying adequate players to bolster their squad. The former star insists that Arsenal should have pursued their move for Real Madrid star Karim Benzema and should have placed a bigger bid.
Arsenal had targetted French international and Real Madrid star Karim Benzema. Arsene Wenger genuinely wanted the player at the side and had even placed a bid worth £50 million. Unfortunately, Benzema had rejected the bid and committed his future to Real Madrid and refused to move to the Premier League side.
Sky Sports had asked Paul Merson about Arsenal’s transfer policy to which he responded: “If you’re an Arsenal season ticket holder, you’re paying top dollar.
“It’s their money. It’s the fans’ money. It’s not Arsene Wenger’s money. It’s not the club’s money. It’s the fans’ money that they’ve paid to buy players.
“The whole idea of going to this big stadium that holds 60,000 people was to bring in top quality players. I don’t know [why Arsenal aren’t spending the money].
“Just put in a bid for Benzema. £75 million. If Real Madrid turns around and says: ‘We’re not selling him,’ you can’t argue with that. You’ve put in a bid and if they turn it down or the lad doesn’t want to come, that’s the way it goes. But show something.
“It cheats the fans. The fans think what are we coming for? We turn up every week, we pay the highest prices and what for? Top four? We might get a day out at Wembley again in the FA Cup. Wow-wee.”
But Merson also ushered praise for Arsenal as he believes that Arsenal will improve this season.
He added: “There’s a saying in life: Keep on doing the things you do and you’ll get the same results.
“How different is this season going to be for Arsenal? It’s the same team that finished 12 points behind Chelsea last year. Why, this year, will the team finish above Chelsea?
“I can tell you now, there will be a phase this season when they’ll be unbelievable, win seven on the trot and play the best football you’ve ever seen. But at the end of the season, with this team and no signings, I’d be absolutely shocked if they won the Premier League.”