Merson gives his view on who should replace Fabregas

Paul Merson has told Arsene Wenger that he should move for Scott Parker in the summer as a replacement for Cesc Fabregas.

The former Arsenal star is convinced that this season will be the last at the Emirates for Fabregas, with Barcelona expected to renew their attempts to sign the midfielder.

Fabregas has looked a shadow of his former self in recent months and his dip in form is one potential reason for Arsenal falling out of the Premier League title race.

Arsenal’s odds are now 9/1 to win the Premier League following their draw with North London rivals Tottenham, as one win in their last six league games has caused them to slip six points adrift of Manchester United with five fixtures remaining.

Merson believes that a new buying strategy could prove prudent for Arsenal in the short term, which would focus on proven players rather than those with untapped potential.

Parker is one such player that Merson admires and he believes his engine and tenaciousness could prove valuable in the heart of the Arsenal midfield.

Merson told Sportsvibe: “Fabregas will be gone at the end of the season. I think Wenger was hoping that Fabregas would somehow do what Cristiano Ronaldo did for Manchester United and propel them to the title, but what Ronaldo did was simply phenomenal.

“I’m a big fan of Scott Parker. Even though he is 30 he is still a top draw player. He could come in to the club for one or two seasons and you know that he would make a massive difference.”

Parker may even be available in a cut-price deal should West Ham suffer relegation this season and it is 4/9 in the Premier League odds that they succumb to the drop.

A £30 stake on Arsenal winning the Premier League would return £270. New customers can sign up here for a free £30 bet.