Paul Merson has urged Arsenal to sign at least two new players this summer after the club clinched the Premier League title. Mikel Arteta guided the Gunners to their first league championship since 2004, finishing seven points clear of Manchester City. Arsenal lifted the trophy at Selhurst Park on Sunday and celebrated late into the night.
Arteta gave his squad Monday off, but they return to training on Tuesday ahead of the Champions League final against PSG this weekend. A trophy parade is scheduled for Sunday in north London, where fans hope to see both the Premier League and Champions League trophies.
Transfer Plans
Attention now turns to the summer transfer window, where Arteta is reportedly set to have another £200 million to spend. Merson believes a significant portion should go toward Julian Alvarez. The Argentine striker is expected to leave Atletico Madrid, with Arsenal, PSG, and Barcelona leading the race.
Alvarez scored 36 goals in two seasons at Manchester City, winning two Premier League titles and the Champions League. At Atletico, he netted 49 goals in two seasons but is keen to move as trophies have eluded him. The 26-year-old is available for around €150 million (£130 million).
“I would get a centre forward this summer, I would go for Julian Alvarez,” Merson said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast. “I'm a big fan. If they could get him I would. I still think they probably need another midfield player as well.”
Neville's View
Gary Neville echoed the need for a striker and midfielder. “Arsenal will need to add again, but I don't want to focus on that now,” he said on his Sky Sports podcast. “They have to be built for a second title run, but let's enjoy the moment. Do they need another centre forward as back-up to Viktor Gyokeres? Do they need another central midfielder? There are a couple of positions to think about.”
Arsenal's squad depth is strong, but reinforcements could be key for their title defence and Champions League ambitions.
