Arsenal enjoyed a spectacular run in the Champions League last season, and it looks likely they will be competing at a similar level again this year. However, according to former player and pundit Merson, the club has not made a marquee acquisition specifically designed to propel them to the next tier of European success.
Merson argues that the current squad already possesses the quality required to challenge for the Premier League title. The team’s depth, balance and collective spirit give them a realistic chance of finishing top of the English league. What they lack, in his view, is that extra spark in the attacking third when they face the continent's elite clubs.
He believes the Gunners need a forward with a particular blend of speed, flair and finishing ability to break down the most disciplined defences. He cites examples such as Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior or Manchester City’s Julian Álvarez as the type of player who could provide that decisive edge. Both youngsters combine explosive pace with an eye for goal, and their presence often forces opponents to rearrange their defensive shape.
Merson suggests that without a comparable figure, Arsenal may find themselves falling short in the later stages of the Champions League, despite their strong domestic performances. When asked about the club's recent signing of Kai Havertz, Merson is generous in his assessment. He praises Havertz for his work ethic, tactical intelligence and overall footballing ability.
"He is a very good footballer who makes the right decisions on the pitch," Merson says. Yet he remains realistic about the German's goal-scoring potential, noting that expecting Havertz to net twenty goals in a single campaign would be optimistic. Nevertheless, Merson believes Havertz is more than capable of contributing to a Premier League triumph, describing him as a "top‑drawer" player for the Gunners.
Merson also touches on the psychological aspect of high‑stakes matches. He imagines a scenario where Arsenal’s centre‑backs and full‑backs gather for a pre‑match talk before a showdown with giants such as Bayern Munich or Paris Saint‑Germain. In his mind, those opponents might express anxiety about their own readiness, perhaps mentioning a poor night’s sleep or concerns about the opposition’s attacking threats.
In contrast, Merson does not see Arsenal exhibiting that same nervous energy. He acknowledges Bukayo Saka’s versatility, noting that Saka could fill in at left‑back if needed, but he still feels the team lacks the intangible "X‑factor" that can tip a tightly contested tie in their favour. Reflecting on last season’s Champions League final, Merson points out that Arsenal struggled with pace in the final third, allowing PSG to compress the game and dominate possession. The French side’s ability to keep Arsenal pinned in their own half proved decisive, and Merson believes that a player capable of rapid transitions could have altered the outcome.
He also remarks on Arsenal’s near‑miss in the Premier League title race, describing it as a hard‑fought campaign that ultimately fell just short, though the team remained resilient and continued to improve. Looking ahead, Merson acknowledges that Arsenal’s roster is already impressive and well‑structured.
He suggests that the club could have pursued a "real superstar" to further strengthen the squad, but he also recognises the solidity of the current line‑up. The depth across all positions gives the manager flexibility and reduces the need for a single, high‑profile signing. In a broader context, Merson highlights how difficult it is to create clear‑cut chances against top European opposition.
He references a recent Chelsea encounter where the visitors opened the scoring within the first minute and a half, yet struggled to find a second goal despite their reputation for fielding one of the Premier League’s most potent front threes. This example, he argues, underscores Arsenal’s defensive resilience and the fine margins that separate success from failure in elite competition. Merson also comments on the importance of a strong start in the Champions League under the new format, where teams must navigate a series of eight group‑stage fixtures before the knockout rounds.
He notes that clubs such as Manchester City and PSG have occasionally stumbled in the early matches, emphasizing the need for consistency and momentum. "Last season, everyone tried to rack up wins as quickly as possible," he says, "and that urgency will be crucial in tonight’s game." Finally, Merson reflects on the perception of certain opponents.
He admits that a few years ago he might have considered a Napoli away fixture to be a daunting challenge, yet recent results—such as Chelsea’s victory in Naples after a long unbeaten home run—demonstrate that even traditionally strong teams can be beaten. He expresses confidence that Arsenal will not lose to Napoli, especially with the support of Sky Sports’ dedicated commentary and the excitement surrounding the match.
In summary, while Arsenal possess a strong core capable of competing for domestic honours, Merson believes they have not secured a definitive game‑changing signing to guarantee Champions League triumph. The addition of a player with extraordinary pace and goal‑scoring instincts could provide the missing ingredient, but until such a talent arrives, the Gunners will have to rely on their existing squad depth, tactical discipline and the occasional spark of brilliance from players like Kai Havertz to achieve their European ambitions.