Former Arsenal striker John Hartson has urged the Gunners to bring in Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann…even though he knows they won’t sign him

JOHN HARTSON has urged Arsenal to sign Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann...even though he knows they will never spend that much on a player.

The French international seems destined to leave Spain in the summer, and the former Gunners forward believes the 26-year-old is just the type of player they need.

Griezmann is widely expected to link up with Manchester United in the next transfer window in a world record transfer.

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But Hartson feels that if Arsene Wenger is to extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium, he should be willing to spend big to compete with his rivals, and challenge for the Premier League title.

He told BBC World Service: "If he does stay he needs to go after the big players and he needs to make Arsenal competitive again in these next two years.

"But he never does seem to be in for the big, big players.

"We now know that this summer Griezmann will probably move from Atletico Madrid and he’s going to cost you £85m and he’s going to cost you £250,000-a-week."

"We know that Arsenal won’t sign him but they’ve got to. That’s where they need to be because the Chelsea’s will and the Manchester United’s will and the Manchester City’s will.

"But I just feel pay the wages because it would be a crying shame if Arsene Wenger was to leave and somebody was to come in as the next manager - not even half the nous that Wenger has, not half the knowledge - and he spends £300m overnight.

"What a crying shame that would be. So if the money’s there why doesn’t he just go and spend it?"

Griezmann has been in fine form once again for Diego Simeone's men this campaign, where he has banged in 22 goals in all competitions.