'World class' player is closer to joining Arsenal than Eberechi Eze or Dani Olmo – journalist

07/25/2024 01:45 PM

Arsenal are looking for new midfield talent this summer as they gear up to sell Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham in a £35m deal.

Smith Rowe is set to join Fulham, and that means that Arsenal may need more depth in the middle of the park.

Arsenal have been linked with a number of different midfield options. Classic number 10s such as Eberechi Eze have been linked to Arsenal, while Dani Olmo is also said to be a target.

Meanwhile, a more classical number eight is also said to be a priority – Mikel Merino has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal.

Speaking on Inside Arsenal, Charles Watts was asked a question about Eze, Olmo and Merino and which player he'd most like to sign.

Watts didn't quite answer which player he'd most like to bring in, but he did say that Merino is the most likely player of the three to sign for Arsenal.

Mikel Merino more likely to join Arsenal than Eberechi Eze or Dani Olmo

Watts stated that the 'world class' player is closer to Arsenal than Eze or Olmo.

"Who do you think we will replace him with? Mikel Merino has been of interest, but I still feel we may go for Eze or Olmo?" Watts was asked.

"Well, I think Merino is the closest of the three of them to actually happening. When I look at Merino I don't see him as a Smith Rowe replacement.

"I don't see him as an out and out replacement for Smith Rowe, because they are different players, but they can play in the same position. He might take that left eight role going forwards, but then do you need to sign a like for like replacement for Smith Rowe? I don't think you do."

Arsenal don't need a Smith Rowe replacement

Merino is closer to Arsenal than Eze or Olmo, and it wouldn't be a surprise if a number 10 didn't arrive this summer.

Indeed, Merino isn't a Smith Rowe replacement by any stretch of the imagination. He's more of a long-term Thomas Partey replacement ahead of his mooted departure next summer.

As for Arsenal's attacking midfield options. Martin Odegaard will start most weeks, but there's also scope for Kai Havertz to drop back into this position while Ethan Nwaneri is starting to make a push for first-team football.

Merino appears to be edging towards joining Arsenal, and he could be the Gunners' only midfield addition in this window.