Last season, Arsenal produced a truly remarkable run in the UEFA Champions League, and they appear poised to replicate that performance this year. However, according to former player and pundit Merson, the Gunners have not invested in a marquee acquisition that would elevate them from being strong contenders to genuine title‑winning material on the European stage. Merson argues that the current squad already possesses enough quality to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League crown.
The manager’s existing roster, he says, is deep and balanced, capable of competing for domestic honors without the need for a splashy new signing. Yet, when it comes to the final third against Europe’s elite clubs, he believes Arsenal lack a certain intangible – the "X‑factor" that can tip the scales in tightly contested knockout ties. He points to players such as Vinícius Júnior at Real Madrid or Julián Álvarez at Manchester City as examples of the type of forward who could provide that extra edge. Both are young, dynamic attackers who combine blistering pace, technical brilliance and an instinct for finding the back of the net in crucial moments.
In Merson’s view, a similar profile would give Arsenal the cutting edge needed to break through the defensive walls of clubs like Bayern Munich or Paris Saint‑Germain in the later stages of the competition. While acknowledging that Arsenal might still fall short of lifting the Champions League trophy, Merson remains optimistic about their domestic prospects. He is a vocal admirer of Kai Havertz, describing the German international as a diligent, intelligent player who consistently makes the right decisions on the pitch. Havertz, he says, may not be a 20‑goal-a-season striker, but his work rate and versatility make him a valuable asset in a title race.
"He’s a top‑drawer player," Merson asserts, "and his contribution will be vital if Arsenal are to secure the Premier League title." Merson also touches on the psychological side of high‑stakes matches. He recounts how, before big Champions League fixtures, defenders from clubs like Bayern or PSG often gather for team talks, expressing concerns about the opposition’s attacking threats and even mentioning sleepless nights. In contrast, he feels Arsenal’s backline does not exhibit the same level of pre‑match anxiety.
He does concede that left‑back Bukayo Saka occasionally shows signs of nervousness, but overall the team seems to lack that nervous‑energy that can sometimes sharpen performance. Reflecting on the 2023 final, Merson notes that Arsenal’s inability to generate sufficient pace in the final third allowed PSG to sit deep, compress the game and deny the Gunners any meaningful possession in the attacking third.
"That was the worry," he says. "Arsenal struggled to get forward quickly, and PSG simply closed down space, making it extremely difficult to create clear‑cut chances." Despite that setback, Merson believes Arsenal’s domestic campaign remains on an upward trajectory.
The club came within touching distance of the Premier League title, eventually clinching it in a dramatic fashion. While the victory was not achieved with overwhelming dominance, it demonstrated the squad’s resilience and depth. "Their squad is immense and solid," he remarks, "and they could still consider splashing out on a true superstar if they wanted to, but they already have a strong foundation." He also highlights the difficulty of breaking down a well‑organised Arsenal defence.
Even against a potent Chelsea front three – arguably one of the best in England – Arsenal managed to keep the opposition at bay after conceding an early goal. The Gunners’ ability to limit further scoring opportunities underscores their current dominance in English football.
Merson stresses the importance of a strong start in the Champions League under the new format, where teams must navigate eight group‑stage matches before the knockout rounds. He observes that clubs such as Manchester City and PSG have occasionally stumbled in the early phases, emphasizing the need for consistency.
"Last season, everyone tried to rack up wins as quickly as possible," he says. "That momentum is crucial, especially in tonight’s game." He also comments on the perception of certain fixtures. A few years ago, an away match at Napoli would have been deemed a daunting challenge. Yet, Chelsea recently travelled to Naples and secured a victory, proving that even traditionally tough venues can be overcome.
"Napoli are beatable, and I don’t expect Arsenal to lose either," Merson concludes. In summary, Merson’s analysis paints a picture of a Arsenal side that is already equipped to challenge for domestic silverware but may still be missing that singular, game‑changing attacker who can turn tight Champions League ties into triumphs. While the club’s existing talent pool – including the industrious Havertz and the versatile Saka – provides a solid platform, a strategic investment in a high‑impact forward could be the missing piece that propels Arsenal from strong contenders to European champions.
The upcoming matches will test whether the current squad can bridge that gap on its own or if the Gunners will need to make a decisive signing to fulfill their continental ambitions.