Paul Merson wants Arsenal to sign Southampton's James Ward-Prowse

Paul Merson insists beloved Arsenal should enter transfer race for James Ward-Prowse as he compares midfielder with Trent Alexander-Arnold – and labels Southampton captain ‘one of the BEST passers in England’

  • James Ward-Prowse is set for a summer move away from the south coast
  • Paul Merson believes the England midfielder should be a top target for Arsenal
  • Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly keen to add depth to his midfield
  • West Ham and Manchester United are also reportedly interested in doing a deal

Former Arsenal player Paul Merson has sent a message to Gunners manager Mikel Arteta, calling on his previous club to make a move for Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse in the summer transfer window.

Ward-Prowse is set to leave the south coast amid rumoured interest from West Ham, Newcastle, and Manchester United, with Premier League teams preparing to line-up bids for the Saints skipper.

The 27-year-old playmaker is hot property on the transfer market after another impressive season in the Premier League that saw him called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse has caught the interest of numerous Premier League clubs

Paul Merson wants his former club to act quick in bringing Ward-Prowse to the Emirates

Writing in his column for The Mirror, Merson said: ‘Arsenal cannot allow West Ham to buy James Ward-Prowse.

‘I think he is a great signing for whoever gets him. I think he is one of the best passers of the ball in England. 

‘Him and Trent Alexander-Arnold see things few other English players do and they can spray it around the pitch because they have such a good range of passing.

‘I don’t understand why Arsenal are not pulling out all the stops to try and take James Ward-Prowse from Southampton,’ he said.


Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have already made three signings in the summer transfer window

JAMES WARD-PROWSE’S 21/22 SEASON STATS

Ward-Prowse enjoyed his best goalscoring return at Southampton last season as the club struggled under Ralph Hassenhuttl.

GOALS: 11 – Ward-Prowse scored 10 Premier League goals and found the net once in the FA Cup

ASSISTS: 8 – The 27-year-old assisted goals in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup

Arsenal have been busy with incomings since the transfer window opened, bringing in Matt Turner, Marquinhos, and yesterday agreeing a £30million deal with Porto for Fabio Vieira. 

The club are planning to make more player signings despite failing to qualify for the Champions League last season as the board looks to help Arteta in adding more quality and depth to their existing squad.

Set-piece specialist Ward-Prowse scored 11 goals in all competitions last season and was the shining light in a disastrous Southampton side that finished just five points above the relegation zone.

Ralph Hassenhutl’s side are expected to demand a hefty fee for their top talent with a potential bidding war between numerous clubs on the cards.

Merson further commented on Ward-Prowse saying: ‘Arsenal need to buy experience and they would be buying an experienced England international who knows the Premier League and would make a huge difference to them.

‘They are crying out for a player who can spray the ball around from the middle of the pitch. 


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