Paul Merson: Arsene Wenger is cheating Arsenal fans for not paying £75m for Karim Benzema

Arsenal should have bid £75m for Karim Benzema

PAUL MERSON reckons Arsene Wenger is cheating Arsenal fans in the transfer market.

 

The Gunners were the only club in the top five European leagues not to sign an outfield player this summer - with Petr Cech their only major purchase.

Rivals Chelsea, Liverpool and the Manchester clubs splashed the cash during the window, and Merson reckons Wenger should have gone in harder for Karim Benzema.

 

The France striker was linked with the Gunners, as was Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani, and, following the confirmation of Danny Welbeck's injury, Arsenal fans are furious with their manager for not adding to his squad.

"It cheats the fans," Merson told Sky Sports. "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.

 

"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 this 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."

And Merson, who played for Arsenal between 1985 and 1997, thinks that season ticket holders at the Emirates deserve an answer for their botched dealings.

 

He added: "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. £75m. If Real Madrid turn around and say '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."