Merson tells Arteta what will ‘definitely’ see Arsenal finish top four next season – ‘Pay top dollar’

Paul Merson thinks the signing of West Ham United captain Declan Rice is one thing Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta must make happen in the summer transfer window.

Arsenal missed out on the Premier League title this season after winning two of their final eight fixtures.

Their drop-off in form during the run-in handed Manchester City their fifth title in the last six years and their third in a row.

Arteta’s side will finish the season at home to Wolves on Sunday and then the Spaniard’s attention will turn to the summer transfer window.

A new midfielder is expected to come in with Rice the Gunners’ top priority, though they are also reportedly interested in Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, Chelsea’s Mason Mount and Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan, who is out of contract in June.

Arsenal are expected to pursue a right-back as well and could bring in a new forward if a player Arteta likes is available for the right price.

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On that note, the club’s former player Merson thinks Arteta needs to sign a new striker.

Should Arsenal sign Rice and a prolific No. 9, they will be a shoo-in for top four next season, says Merson, who should probably be aiming a bit higher if truth be told.

“If Arsenal were to sign Rice, and a striker who can get them 25 goals a season, they will definitely be finishing in the top four,” he told GiveMeSport. “Otherwise, they might struggle.

“Think about it. Liverpool will be better. Manchester United will be better. There’s no way Chelsea will be this bad again. Newcastle will buy players. It’s a big challenge for Arsenal.

“They will have Champions League football to contend with and that will stretch their squad. I’m not being unkind. It’s just a fact.

“It’s going to be a lot harder for Arsenal next season, so it’s important to sign players.

“The name of the game is, when it’s all going well, not to stop. They might have to pay top dollar. But they need to be brave.”

Merson gave a specific example of a striker the Gunners could look to bring in.

He thinks Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku, who is currently on loan at Inter Milan, could be the answer for Arteta.

“Romelu Lukaku might be available,” Merson added. “The 30-year-old is an out-and-out centre-forward. He will stay up front and back into players. That might help Arsenal.”