Arsenal

Paul Merson slams 'cheating' Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 03 September 2015

Paul Merson says that former club Arsenal are 'cheating' their fans and believes that they should have bid £75m for Real Madrid hitman Karim Benzema.

Paul Merson has said that Arsenal should have lodged a £75m bid for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, claiming that the Gunners are 'cheating' their fans.

Having signed just goalkeeper Petr Cech, Arsenal were the only club in Europe's top five leagues not to add an outfield player to their ranks during the summer.

Manager Arsene Wenger is reported to have had £200m at his disposal, and Merson, who spent 12 years with the North Londoners, cannot understand why the Frenchman refused to bolster his squad.

"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]," he told Sky Sports News.

"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. It cheats the fans. 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."

Arsenal charge more than any other Premier League club for matchday and season tickets. Their most expensive season ticket is priced at £2,013 per year.