Paul Merson tells Arsenal to sign this Premier League star in January

Paul Merson has urged Arsenal to make a January transfer bid to sign Victor Wanyama from Southampton.

The north London side have inevitably been linked with a host of star players in recent days as Arsene Wenger considers bolstering his Gunners squad ahead of the second half of the season.

Merson feels that Arsenal should have taken their opportunity to sign Morgan Schneiderlin in the summer before the France midfielder ended up joining rivals Manchester United.

Now, the former Arsenal man has urged Wenger to consider a swoop for Wanyama to add cover for the injured Francis Coquelin.

Merson told Sky Sports: “I think they need a defensive midfield player, if I am being honest.

“They missed the boat with Schneiderlin in the summer, but someone like Wanyama – not great on the ball, but if you can get him to win the ball and give it to someone who is better, then that is someone I think they need.”

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Arsenal are reported to be close to completing a deal to sign FC Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny in the coming days.

The Gunners are gearing up for their FA Cup clash with Sunderland at The Emirates as they look to kick off their title defence with a win.