Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson believes the Gunners could do a lot worse than sign West Ham forward Marko Arnautovic.

The Austrian was withdrawn from the Hammers squad that played against Bournemouth yesterday, amid rumours that he could make a lucrative switch to China.

Merson, though, feels Arnautovic still has something to give in English football, and would easily get into the Arsenal team, as well as three of the other ‘big six’:

“If you were Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United or Tottenham you would take him tomorrow. He could play for any of those teams. He’s a really good player and he’s not just a centre-forward. He could play in other positions too and give you a different option.”

With West Ham seeking £50m for the 29-year-old and having already refused an offer of £35m for the striker, the chances of the Gunners entering the race for the Austrian international are very slim.

Manager Unai Emery has hinted that the London club may not sign anyone this month with transfers being restricted to loan deals.

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette already in the squad too, the forward line is hardly an area that needs further strengthening anyway.