Arsenal are in a 'process of uncertainty' says Arteta
Paul Merson has reckons his former side Arsenal may bite the bullet and pay-off Mesut Ozil so the German leaves the club this summer. However, such a substantial fee would rock the Gunners' finances as the midfielder reportedly earns around £350,000-a-week.
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"Arteta must know that - but if you don't ask, you don't get, I suppose.
"A lot depends on the market as well. If someone goes for £80million or £90million at the start of the window, Arsenal are in trouble because it sets a tone and they can't match it.
"But I think it's hard for a lot of clubs to spend money right now, so you might find the top players everybody wants just don't hit the market."
Arsenal are unlikely to finish in the European places this campaign and Merson reckons a big rebuild is needed to have a more successful season next year.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will ask for a pay rise on any new deal (Image: GETTY)
He said: "They could spend £200m and still not make the Champions League next season because the gap is so big.
"They need a centre-back, a central midfielder and another striker. The whole spine of the team really.
"And I think he might go for John Stones at Manchester City. Pep Guardiola doesn’t seem to trust him, and Arteta has worked with him before.
"Arsenal need an out and out defender, not another David Luiz who knows how to play the ball out from the back but makes a lot of mistakes.
"But Stones is English, young enough to improve, and Arteta will know all about him and know he fits into the system."