Arsenal legend and football pundit Paul Merson has once again sparked conversation in the footballing world with his latest remarks on the Gunners’ transfer strategy. Speaking with his usual blend of passion and honesty, Merson admitted his “shock” at one of Arsenal’s recent signings, while raising a critical question about the future and fitness of Bukayo Saka, arguably the club’s most influential player.
As Arsenal look to build on back-to-back Premier League title challenges under Mikel Arteta, Merson’s observations offer a sobering reminder that even well-performing teams must make the right moves in the transfer market — not just for success, but also for sustainability.
A Transfer That Surprised Many – Including Merson
Paul Merson is no stranger to bold opinions, especially when it comes to his former club. But his surprise at a recent Arsenal signing came not out of negativity, but concern. While Merson did not name a specific player in some of his commentary, his focus seemed to be on the Gunners’ decision to strengthen certain areas — like midfield or defence — while neglecting the right-wing position, where Bukayo Saka has played almost every minute of every season.
“I was shocked, if I’m honest,” Merson said during a segment on Sky Sports. “I really thought Arsenal would go out and buy someone who could come in and take the load off Saka. But they didn’t. They strengthened in other areas, and that’s fine — but what happens when Saka needs a rest?”
The transfer that seemed to raise eyebrows was Arsenal’s investment in another attacking midfielder or central player, rather than a natural right winger who could offer genuine rotation for Saka. Given the intense demands of top-level football, and Arsenal’s return to the Champions League, many expected the club to prioritise a wide attacking option to share Saka’s responsibilities.
The Bukayo Saka Dilemma: Too Much on One Young Star?
At just 23 years old, Bukayo Saka has already carried the weight of expectation at both club and international level. He’s been Arsenal’s most consistent and influential player for several seasons, contributing goals, assists, and moments of magic that have lifted the Gunners in crucial matches.
But it’s that consistency and availability that has drawn concern from Merson — and others. Saka has played more minutes than almost any other Arsenal outfield player in recent years, often starting and finishing matches across four competitions.
“Saka is world-class. We all know that. But even world-class players need rest,” Merson said. “You can’t just keep playing him 50, 60 games a season and expect him to stay at that level forever. Something’s got to give.”
Merson’s concern is less about the quality of Saka and more about Arsenal’s management of his minutes. Without a clear backup or competition for the right-wing spot, Saka is often undroppable — not because Arteta doesn’t want to rest him, but because the team’s attacking threat drops significantly without him.
Why Squad Depth Matters More Than Ever
In modern football, especially in the Premier League, depth is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. With Arsenal competing on multiple fronts — including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup — managing player fitness and form is essential to sustaining a title challenge.
Merson highlighted how other top clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool rotate key players without a drop in performance, thanks to deep squads filled with quality alternatives.
“Look at Man City — they’ve got three or four wingers who can all start in a final. That’s what Arsenal need to aim for. Saka’s brilliant, but he’s human. He’s going to get tired, he might pick up a knock — what then?”
Arsenal do have players like Reiss Nelson, Leandro Trossard, and even Gabriel Jesus, who can operate out wide. However, none of them are natural or preferred right-wingers, and none offer the same explosiveness or creativity as Saka. Merson argued that failing to bring in a direct competitor for Saka could be one of the few blind spots in an otherwise smart transfer window.
The Psychological Weight of Being “Undroppable”
There’s also a mental side to the conversation. When a player knows that the team depends on him every week, the pressure to perform and stay fit can become overwhelming — particularly for a young talent like Saka, who also plays for England at the highest international level.
“It’s not just physical fatigue. It’s mental too. When you’re the go-to man every single game, it takes a toll,” Merson added. “Arsenal need to protect him — not just for this season, but for the next five or ten years.”
There’s precedent for Merson’s concerns. Other young stars, like Marcus Rashford, have experienced burnout after being overused early in their careers, leading to dips in form or persistent injuries. Arsenal, with their long-term ambitions and investment in youth, can’t afford to risk the same outcome with Saka.
What Arsenal Can Still Do — and What the Future Holds
With the summer transfer window still active (at the time of Merson’s comments), Arsenal may yet move to address the issue. Links with players like Mohammed Kudus, Pedro Neto, or Michael Olise have surfaced in the past, though no deals have materialized. A versatile winger who can compete on the right while offering quality across multiple attacking roles would be the ideal signing.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta must find creative ways to manage Saka’s minutes during the season — whether through tactical rotations, giving more responsibility to Trossard or Nelson, or even experimenting with system changes that allow Saka to rest without destabilizing the attack.
Arsenal’s medical and performance teams will also be key. Ensuring Saka stays injury-free while maintaining peak condition could be the difference between a title challenge and another near-miss.
Conclusion: A Warning, Not a Criticism
Paul Merson’s comments are not meant to undermine Arsenal’s transfer strategy — rather, they serve as a warning rooted in genuine care for the club and admiration for Bukayo Saka.
“Arsenal are so close to something special,” Merson concluded. “But they’ve got to protect their best players. You don’t want to look back in May and say, ‘If only we had given Saka a break.’”
Arsenal’s rise under Mikel Arteta has been impressive, built on youth, energy, and tactical precision. But as expectations grow and the fixture list intensifies, the need for smart squad management becomes more pressing than ever. The club’s ability to balance reliance with rotation — particularly when it comes to Bukayo Saka — could be one of the defining factors of their season.
And if Merson’s instincts are right, Arsenal would be wise to act sooner rather than later.
Would you like this article adapted for blog use, social media summaries, or newsletter format? I can also update it with the latest transfer developments if needed.Paul Merson Admits ‘Shock’ at Arsenal Transfer as He Poses Bukayo Saka Question
