Arsenal transfer recruitment has been "lazy" but Mikel Arteta is not to blame

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has slammed the club's transfer recruitment as "lazy" – but admits boss Mikel Arteta isn't to blame.

Arteta has come under fire after Arsenal's 2-0 defeat against Brentford last Friday in their Premier League opener.

The Londoners have already splashed out over £70m this summer – the majority on Brighton defender Ben White, who arrived for a mammoth £50m fee.

Arteta has also snapped up young stars Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares, with deals for Aaron Ramsdale and Martin Odegaard on the brink of completion.

But the Gunners still look in need of major reinforcements after flopping against the Bees.

"It's worrying at Arsenal. You're still thinking: 'Where are they going?' said Merson in his column for Sky Sports.

"Edu has come in, and the recruitment has been lazy, if I'm being honest. It's been: 'Oh, we'll take Willian on a free… we'll take David Luiz for cheap.'

"I remember years ago in football, managers were judged on signings. Sometimes I think Arteta is left behind, and I'm not sure how much of a say he has got in all of this."

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Edu was appointed as Arsenal's technical director back in the summer of 2019 and has spent big to try and haul his former side back to domestic dominance.

But his track record in the transfer market has been poor.

The Brazilian sanctioned the club-record deal for £72m flop Nicolas Pepe, as well as splashing out on William Saliba – who has been farmed out on loan by Arteta again this season.

Arteta's job title changed from head coach to manager last year, a move which would seemingly indicate an increase in his influence in transfer dealings.

But Merson is adamant that the blame for the Gunners' transfer troubles lies with Edu – and has questioned the club's plans for the future after young star Joe Willock's exit to Newcastle last week.

Willock progressed through the club's academy before being let go – something which has irked Merson, who himself came through the club's academy.

"Why would you let Joe Willock go?" added Merson, who spent 12 years in North London.

"I'm not saying he's the answer, but he's come through the club and is going for £25m, that sort of money isn't going to change Arsenal. It's not like a Harry Kane or Jack Grealish sale where you get £100m and can rebuild the team.

"But Arsenal are prepared to pay Willian big money. Where is the future in that? It's quick fixes. Surely Willock is a future player and for the present, and can be involved in the plan.

"Jonny Evans is a good example. I was calling for Arsenal to sign him when he left West Brom – a very good player, who was at Man Utd at the wrong time. He would have been a success. But it felt like Arsenal didn't sign him because he played for West Brom. 'How can Arsenal be signing players from West Brom?'

"My question to Edu would be: 'What's the plan?'"

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