Liverpool sent stark warning as Paul Merson thinks Arsenal has found $91M 'missing piece'

Paul Merson thinks Eberechi Eze might be the "missing piece" in Arsenal's bid to derail Liverpool's title defense.

However, echoing William Gallas' stance, Merson added that the pressure will mount on The Gunners to end the 22-year championship drought this season should they complete the signing of Crystal Palace's star. Arsenal has reportedly struck a deal valued at approximately £68 million ($91M) for the 27-year-old midfielder, with a medical examination anticipated on Friday.

The North London club is making the move following an injury to Kai Havertz, having already secured Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres during this summer's transfer window to revamp their attacking options. Their business commenced with the recruitment of Martin Zubimendi to strengthen the midfield ranks.

Merson now considers Arsenal to be under significant pressure after addressing all their problem areas under sporting director Andrea Berta.

"He's the X factor; I think he's the missing piece for Arsenal winning the Premier League," Merson declared on Sky Sports News regarding Eze as Liverpool continues its pursuit of his Crystal Palace teammate, Marc Guehi. "The pressure's on now if they don't win it.

"I think [Berta's] bought amazingly. They needed a holding midfield player; they bought a top-drawer one.

"They've needed a centre-forward; they bought a centre-forward. Now, they bought someone who can break defences; he could get in a lot of teams.

"I watched Arsenal a lot; when the pressure's on, they find it hard to break teams down. They rely on [Martin] Odegaard; if Odegaard doesn't do it, and he didn't do it last season, they struggle.

"[Bukayo] Saka got injured; he's the other one they rely on. All of a sudden, you've got him [Eze]; he is different class, he's different class."

When questioned if Eze was a more significant acquisition than Viktor Gyokeres, he responded: "I think so, because [Kai] Havertz can play up front. With Eze in the team, he makes things happen; he's the X factor.

"Give him the ball; he will make things happen and break defences down."

Merson concluded, "I think he's an amazing signing for Arsenal; he's one of the players I would pay to watch play football."

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