Arsenal have been urged to make a bid for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku this summer by former player Paul Merson. It comes ahead of a huge summer for Mikel Arteta in the transfer window.
The Spaniard has decisions to make when it comes to strengthening his squad, having fallen short of Champions League qualification. One of those decisions comes in the striking department, with Alexandre Lacazette making the move away from the Gunners back to Lyon.
On the priority for the summer, the manager said: “He puts the ball in the net – that’s priority number one. Goal threat. Any successful team needs enough goal threat in the squad. Without it, you have nothing.”
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A number of high-profile options have been linked with a move to the Emirates, including Manchester City duo Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling. However, in a shock move, former player Paul Merson has urged the club to make a move for Romelu Lukaku.
The 29-year-old made a £100million return to Stamford Bridge last summer, but struggled with eight goals in 26 Premier League appearances. This has opened up speculation surrounding his future at the club.
Merson wrote in his Daily Star column: “Arsenal should make a cheeky £60m bid for Romelu Lukaku this summer. Because if Chelsea are so desperate to let him go that they're talking about loaning him to Inter Milan, surely they would take the money! Arsenal haven't had someone who is big and strong and dynamic like that since Kevin Campbell.
“I know he hasn't scored a lot of goals this season but Lukaku is an elite goalscorer. Arsenal play great football up to the edge of the box but then it often fizzles out. Arsenal go through the lines. They want their striker on the edge of the box. It would suit him.”
Whether that move is possible remains to be seen, however Arteta has plenty of decisions to make over transfers this summer to get his squad competing once again.
