Wenger is cheating Arsenal fans – Paul Merson

Former Arsenal player, Paul Merson, has accused manager, Arsene Wenger of “cheating” the supporters.

The Frenchman failed to buy any outfield player this summer, with Petr Cech the only arrival.

On Wednesday, Arsenal confirmed that striker Danny Welbeck will be out for months following knee injury – news that has attracted a lot of criticisms and highlighted the Gunners’ failure in the transfer market.

Merson feels Wenger did not try hard enough to land Karim Benzema from Real Madrid.

“It cheats the fans,” he said.

“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.

“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.”

“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.”