Arsenal title winner Alan Smith insists that Noni Madueke will prove a cunning summer signature of manager Mikel Arteta.
The arrival of the former Chelsea wing player was met by protests from Arsenal fans and criticism of Arteta.
Smith's former Gunners teammate, Paul Merson, said that the deal left him 'bewildered'.
But in response, Smith told Tribal Football: “I did not hear Merson's reasons for that. I mean, it came in a certain way as a bit of a surprise.
“I thought his form was consistent and he is hopefully only gets better under Arteta, who is a very good coach, let's not make a mistake. He can improve players, and he normally does that.
“He can play both flanks, so that is a great option to give Saka Saka a rest occasionally, to offer an option to (Gabriel) Martinelli, who has been up and down a bit.
“So yes, I don't agree with this. Do you know what? You could argue about the price tag (£ 52 million), but I mean, everyone who is half decent costs a fortune, isn't it? Yes, hopefully it will be a good signature.”
Right Arsenal -fans will support Madueke
When asked about the angry reaction of a part of the Arsenal support, Smith admits that it has left him stunned.
He continued: “I don't get it. I don't get it. You have to trust your club and the experts. You know, these people look deep into the statistics, the underlying statistics and everything else. They are not alone, you know, choose someone out of a hat.
“Professional people, they all got their jobs. There is always an element of risk with every signature. But Madueke's experience now in the Premier League, yes, as soon as he puts on the shirt, you know, the right Arsenal fans come behind him.
“There is an element with social media, there is always something that can pop, and so you can prove them that they are wrong.”
Alan Smith spoke with Tribalfootball on behalf of William Hill