Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson believes Southampton and England ace James Ward-Prowse would be an ideal signing for Manchester United this summer amid ongoing speculation about his future.
The central midfielder, who has established a reputation for being the Premier League's free-kick specialist, is being closely linked with several clubs following the opening of the summer transfer window. He enjoyed a stellar 2021/22 campaign for the Saints, scoring 11 goals and notching eight assists in all competitions.
The 27-year-old has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks, as United manager Erik ten Hag looks to beef up his midfield options ahead of the new season starting in just seven weeks' time. The club is being linked with a plethora of central-midfielders, including leading target Frenkie de Jong and Denmark international Christian Eriksen.
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However, few midfielders in the Premier League enjoyed a more productive campaign than Ward-Prowse last term. He went from strength to strength as the season unfolded and will be hoping to make Gareth Southgate's England squad for the World Cup later this year.
And for Sky Sports pundit Merson, who has urged Arsenal to chase the Southampton star's signature this summer, he would be "perfect" for Ten Hag. He also believes that he continues to be underrated.
"Arsenal should try for him," Merson wrote for the Daily Star. "Surely he'd be tempted. Arsenal are not a million miles away. They are one top-class striker away from being contenders.
"He's not a shouter or anything but he is a leader and Arsenal need leaders as well. He sets an example on the pitch. He's an experienced player.
"Arsenal don't need to sign a lorryload of teenagers this summer. They need experience. And Ward-Prowse ticks every box.
"He is deadly from free kicks. Puts it on a sixpence from corners. What am I missing? Is it because he's English and only plays for Southampton? I don't get it.
"I think he's massively underrated. He could play for any of the top clubs. He would walk into the Manchester United team. He'd be perfect for them as well."
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