Paul Merson has told Sky Sports that the current situation at Arsenal is ‘worrying’ him.
The outspoken TV pundit also slammed Arsenal’s technical director Edu for two ‘lazy’ transfers in Willian and David Luiz.
One of those players – Luiz – has since left the club and is now a free agent, whilst Arsenal fans would also like to see Willian follow suit.
It begs the question as to when Arsenal will learn to not sign Chelsea players past their best because it’s making them look utterly ridiculous.
Nonetheless, Merson questioned what road Arsenal are currently going down and what role Mikel Arteta actually plays in transfers.
“It’s worrying at Arsenal,” said Merson. “You’re still thinking: ‘Where are they going?’
“Edu has come in, and the recruitment has been lazy, if I’m being honest. It’s been: ‘Oh, we’ll take Willian on a free… we’ll take David Luiz for cheap.’
“I remember years ago in football, managers were judged on signings. Sometimes I think Arteta is left behind, and I’m not sure how much of a say he has got in all of this.”
From the players Edu has helped bring in, there is no question that Kieran Tierney has been the best capture and the standout – not forgetting, Gabriel Martinelli, who is a fan favourite.
But from then on, many players have to be questioned, from the inconsistent winger Nicolas Pepe to goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson.
In some cases, like Pepe, he has started to show glimpses, but he is at a stage where he has to start delivering on a regular basis.
If he doesn’t step up this season then that club-record transfer Arsenal paid for him is simply going down the drain.
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