Arsenal had a topsy-turvy 2019/2020 season which cost Unai Emery his job. The North Londoners eventually finished eighth on the Premier League table but somewhat salvage a disappointing season by winning the FA Cup by deservedly beating rivals Chelsea.
The English side have bolstered their ailing squad by signing the likes of Willian and Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille, and club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has finally signed a new contract keeping him in London until the summer of 2023.
Merson doubts if Arsenal could make it to the Champions League spot this season despite the current good feeling factor at the Emirates.
“I thought it was a great result for Arsenal [against Fulham],” Merson told Sky Sports
“Gabriel makes his debut, is solid, and scores a goal. It was a good performance. I like Arteta, you can see what he’s trying to do, playing a certain way, as a team and with a high tempo.
“I like what they’re doing, but top four? I just think the gulf is too big.
“There are three or four leagues within the Premier League. I think the top four is the top four in their own league, then you’ve got your Arsenal, Tottenham, and maybe even Everton now with Leicester.
“Then you’ve probably got another little league in mid-table before you get to the lower ends. It’s quite interesting, and that’s why it’s the best league in the world.
“Whoever is the fittest, and whoever hits the ground running, has an unbelievable chance."