Arsenal hero Paul Merson has urged his old club to pay out Mesut Ozil's contract.
Ozil has been a peripheral figure at the Emirates over recent weeks and has been linked with a move away from the Gunners, though his huge wage packet is likely to create issues with any potential exit.
“There's Mesut Ozil's wages to get off the books. They might end up having to pay him just to leave," Merson said.
“And Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang needs a new contract that won't come cheap. He's already in his 30s but Arsenal can't afford to lose him.
“That's a lot of money gone already. And I know Arsenal. I played there. Arsenal don't gamble with their money.
“They don't take big risks in the transfer market. It's not their way. Arteta must know that - but if you don't ask, you don't get I suppose.
“A lot depends on the market as well. If someone goes for £80-90m at the start of the window, Arsenal are in trouble because it sets a tone and they can't match it.
“But I think it's hard for a lot of clubs to spend money right now, so you might find the top players everybody wants just don't hit the market."
