Paul Merson has claimed Arsenal's failure to sign a world-class forward this summer will cost them any chance of Champions League success this season. The former Gunners star made his assessment in an interview with Sky Sports, reported by the Daily Mirror Football this week.
Merson believes Mikel Arteta's squad has done enough to defend their Premier League crown, but the lack of a marquee attacking addition leaves them short at the highest level. Arsenal sit second in the Premier League with six points from two games, having scored four goals without conceding. Their next test is an away trip to face Sunderland on September 12th.
Why does Merson think Arsenal will fall short?
Merson pointed specifically to the club's unsuccessful pursuit of Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior. "I think that was the one," Merson said. "At the start of the transfer window when they went for Vinicius Junior - and it was serious, it was closer than what people think." He suggested that signing a player of that calibre would have signalled Arsenal were "shopping in a different market to everybody else."
With Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Leandro Trossard all sold by Arteta, the attacking options are now led by Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres. Merson acknowledged their qualities but questioned their ability to intimidate Europe's elite defences. "You look at Havertz and Gyokeres - I like those two but they're not going to give you sleepless nights," he stated.
What is the current state of Arsenal's attack?
The summer arrival of Christos Tzolis and the presence of Eberechi Eze provide depth on the left, but Merson sees limitations. He described Tzolis as a hard-working winger and prefers Eze in a central role. The wider forward group also includes Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Max Dowman, and captain Martin Odegaard.
Despite significant investment elsewhere in the squad with the signings of Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa, Illan Meslier, and Piero Hincapie, Merson feels the forward line is the weak link. He argued that the failure to add another proven attacker will leave the team lacking important depth as a long season progresses, especially with key defenders like Jurriën Timber, William Saliba, and Cristhian Mosquera currently sidelined. Fans can track the recovery of these players on the club's injuries page.
Can Arsenal still win the Premier League?
Merson remains bullish about Arsenal's domestic prospects. "I think they win the Premier League," he declared. He praised the midfield addition of Bruno Guimaraes, calling him a "good footballer" who steadies the play. The strong start to the season, with two wins from two, supports this optimistic view. Supporters can follow the team's progress in the standings.
However, he drew a clear distinction between domestic and European competition. "But they'll be short in the Champions League because of that, not having that extra person up front," Merson explained. He contrasted Arsenal's attackers with the fear factor generated by a player like Vinicius Junior when facing clubs such as PSG, Bayern Munich, or Real Madrid.
What were Merson's reservations about the summer business?
The pundit expressed surprise at the decision to let Leandro Trossard leave the club. "I personally would have, especially getting rid of Martinelli and Trossard. I wouldn't have let Trossard go." Merson noted. This sale, coupled with the failed moves for Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez, has left the squad looking light in forward areas compared to their rivals.
While the club's overall transfer activity has been busy, the focus on one major target may have come at a cost. Merson's final prediction is a split verdict: another league title but a Champions League exit due to attacking limitations. Arsenal's quest for a domestic double continues with their next match away at Sunderland this coming weekend, a fixture detailed on the official fixtures schedule.
