Arsenal advised to neglect Mikel Merino switch after N’Golo Kante inexperienced gentle
Arsenal have been told to abandon their deal for Mikel Merino and stage a stunning coup for ex-Chelsea man N’Golo Kante.
Former Gunner Emmanuel Petit has issued the plea, as he fears that the 28-year-old Spaniard may falter to the physicality of the English top flight. Mikel Arteta earmarked Merino as a top priority this window after the club sealed a permanent deal for goalkeeper David Raya and the £42million signing of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori.
However, Petit feels that despite deal for Merino likely being wrapped up soon with personal terms and a £30million fee reportedly agreed upon, midfield mastermind Kante – who was linked with a move to West Ham earlier this window – would fit Arteta’s squad and system better.
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The Real Sociedad man’s transfer has been somewhat delayed, reportedly because the Gunners desire to offload some assets before bringing in another. Defender Jakub Kiwior and striker Eddie Nketiah are two names who have been linked with moves away from the Emirates this summer, and may have to be sold before Merino is bought.
However, Petit would rather they abandon the move, telling Safest Casino Sites: “If Arsenal want to bring a player who will be great competition for the midfielders, I don’t think it should be Merino or Frenkie de Jong because they’re primarily number eights.”
Would Kante be a good fit for Arsenal? Let us know in the comments section.
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“I think Arsenal should bring back N’Golo Kante to the Premier League. I want him to play for Arsenal, he would be so important to the side in terms of rotation. Kante’s spirit, reading of the game and breaking the opposition lines is still top quality. He can play as a holding midfielder and as a number eight. When you look at Arsenal’s squad, they’re all humble, that fits Kante perfectly and Arteta would love him.”
A replacement for Granit Xhaka, who could play both as an enforcer and a number eight, is essentially what Merino would be for Arsenal. Petit’s worry would be the physicality of the league the 28-year-old would be entering.
Merino’s single season with Newcastle ended with him losing his first-team place by the New Year and warming the bench for the remainder of the campaign under Rafa Benitez.
“I really liked Granit Xhaka, and I think Mikel Merino is a good replacement for him,” added Petit “I watched him closely in the Euros and against PSG in the Champions League last season. I can’t tell if he is a number eight or a holding midfielder, but that would be a good problem for Mikel Arteta to have. Merino could adapt to the Premier League like how Rodri has, but he could also struggle with the physicality.”
