The 2018-19 season of the Premier League has just begun and most of the pundits are placing their bets on Manchester City to lift the title once again.
While they have claimed that the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool might give a tough fight but ultimately it will be Pep Guardiola’s side who will come out victorious.
In such a scenario, no one has said that Arsenal will be able to win the Premier League title this year and their most realistic hope would be to get back into the Champions League.
But former Arsenal midfielder and current pundit, Paul Merson has gone one step further by claiming that the Gunners will never be able to win anything.
Merson believes that Stan Kroenke’s complete take over of the club is going to seriously affect Arsenal’s future and the London outfit will not be able to win anything until he is the owner of the club.
Here’s why:
Talking to the Daily Star, Merson said:
“Now that Stan Kroenke is going to be in sole control of Arsenal, I’d be shocked if they win the title again in my lifetime.
“Money talks in this game and Kroenke doesn’t want to spend it, he only wants to make it. Arsene Wenger was only there for the last few years for one reason – to make the club money.
“Why aren’t they doing what Liverpool have done and buying star players? Are Arsenal just a team who want to finish fourth?
“The fans pay big money and they are tired of it. My brother is on the waiting list for a season ticket. This year is the first time the club has called to offer him one. The demand isn’t what it used to be.
“I don’t think it’s a good move, Kroenke taking full control. He’s taking a loan out to do it too, and while it’s not against the club, how’s he going to pay it back? Will it affect transfers?
“The fans are disillusioned. They are paying top dollar to try and finish fourth. There might be more protests now. It all depends on results really.
“If they start getting beaten heavily the fans won’t be happy – and Unai Emery has a tough start with City and Chelsea his first two matches.
“They like to have a say, Arsenal fans. And that’s being taken away by someone who doesn’t know football because Kroenke only knows about money.”
Stan Kroenke is already the majority shareholder at Arsenal but the American businessman has already moved to buy the 30 per cent stake of Alisher Usmanov.
Arsenal take on Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday and the season opener for the Gunners will be the perfect opportunity for the fans to see if Unai Emery can indeed work his magic at the club.
Read: Manuel Pellegrini drops a huge hint about the future of ‘this’ Hammers’ record holder.
Read: Liverpool have five major injury concerns as they welcome West Ham United.
