Paul Merson wants Steve Bould to manage Arsenal in the Europa League
Arsenal are competing in the Europa League this season after missing out on a top-four finish for the first time in 19 years under Arsene Wenger.
The competition has become much maligned, despite it offering a route to next season's Champions League for the winners.
Manchester United secured their place in Europe's elite competition by lifting the trophy last term with a 2-0 win over Ajax.
However, Paul Merson does not think Arsene Wenger should waste his time with it and has bizarrely urged him to appoint Steve Bould manager for the games.
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Paul Merson has claimed Arsene Wenger should not travel for Europa League away games
Arsene Wenger WOWS with INCREDIBLE kick-ups
"People talk about Arsenal in the Europa League, maybe suggesting they won't bother trying in it," Merson told Sky Sports.
"But Arsene Wenger still has to fly out somewhere on the Wednesday, won't get back until the Friday. It is still tiring.
"Therefore, I would tell Steve Bould to be in charge of the Europa team.
"Wenger could work at home with the Premier League team."
Speaking last week about his plans for the Europa League, Wenger admitted it would not be a priority for him.
“For us it is a good opportunity to focus completely on the Premier League,” he said.
“I would say that the Premier League has, in my opinion, taken over from the Champions League interest-wise.”
The Gunners will discover their fate in the Europa League group stage later this month with the draw taking place on August 25.
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