With Arsenal reportedly pushing to offload Mesut Ozil, a former Gunners star feels they might need to pay the German just to leave.
The 2014 World Cup winner is yet to feature for the North London since season resumed last month, although the club did reveal he has been suffering from back soreness.
Ozil has often been criticised as the Gunners continue to struggle in recent seasons, while there have been constant reports of a possible departure.
Former Arsenal striker Paul Merson believes Ozil needs to be sold to reduce the club's wage bill.
"There's Mesut Ozil's wages to get off the books. They might end up having to pay him just to leave," he told the Daily Star.
"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."
