Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Paul Merson points Mikel Arteta towards ‘easy answer’ that can end £70m Arsenal striker hunt

Former Arsenal player Paul Merson, Sky Sports pundit,. tips Villa to sell star

Arsenal legend Paul Merson claims Mikel Arteta could save himself a small fortune in his hunt to sign a new striker with the answer staring him right in the face.

The Gunners are in the market for at least one new striker this summer after a difficult January window. Indeed, efforts to prise Dusan Vlahovic ultimately led to nothing, with reports in Italy making these alarming claims about Arsenal’s interest.

However, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang departing for Barcelona and with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah both likely to depart, the Gunners have some holes to fill.

As such, a recent report claims Arsenal are preparing to launch a £180m triple summer splurge.

And aside from the usual candidates, the Gunners are also being linked with a 122-goal LaLiga frontman.

Whoever they sign, the Gunners are likely to have to fork out a huge amount of cash to strengthen their attack.

However, Merson reckons Arsenal could save themselves at least one huge outlay by offering Gabriel Martinelli a more central role.

The Brazilian has looked the part this season after getting more game time under Arteta. Indeed, in 22 appearances, Martinelli has four goals and two assists for the Gunners.

Now Merson claims he could be the man Arteta is looking for.

Arsenal ready for £200m+ spend this summer

Arsenal ready for £200m+ spend this summer

Arsenal are preparing to spend over £200m this summer with Isak, Calvert-Lewin and Ruben Neves their targets

“If I were Mikel Arteta, I’d start playing Gabriel Martinelli up front,” Merson told Sportskeeda.

“Arsenal could spend a lot of money on a striker, but the player they’re looking for might already be at the club.

Martinelli is lively and quick – he has what it takes. He should get a run until the end of the season, and might save Arsenal £70million.”

Paul Merson claims Wolves are dark horses for top four

The Gunners resume their bid to secure a top-four finish on Thursday night with a tricky clash against Wolves at Molineux.

However, Merson claims Bruno Lage’s side are one of the Premier League’s most-improved sides. As such, he reckons the game may well end up in a draw.

“Wolves are the Premier League’s dark horses at the moment,” Merson added.

“They’re winning football matches, and they could push for a top-four finish by winning their games in hand.

“If Manchester United and Tottenham win their games, Wolves and Arsenal cannot afford to fall behind. This is a massive Premier League match for both teams.

“Wolves are a very solid team, and they’ve also started to score goals now. They’ve parted ways with Adama Traore in the transfer market and that’s a big loss for them.

“A draw isn’t a great result for either team, but this fixture may well produce one this week.”

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