Arsenal urged to sign ideal Aubameyang replacement by club legend
Martin Macdonald
- 5 Feb 2022 10:12 GMT
- 3 min read
Arsenal should be looking to "break the bank" to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer, in the opinion of former Gunners midfielder Paul Merson.
The North London side are short of strikers at the moment following the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona, while Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette both have contracts that expire this summer.
In the January transfer window, Arsenal desperately attempted to bring in Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina, but the Serbian preferred a move to Juventus.
A centre-forward remains the transfer priority for the summer, and Merson believes Calvert-Lewin should be near the top of their list of targets.
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"Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a perfect fit for Arsenal and they should break the bank to sign him next summer," he wrote in the Daily Star.
"Arsenal need a world class centre forward. They've just saved £25m in wages getting rid of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
"And they tried to spend big on Dusan Vlahovic so we know the money is there. They should be talking to Everton about Calvert-Lewin already.
"Calvert-Lewin is young and hungry. He will be England's first choice No 9 in years to come. He holds the ball up very well and he works his socks off up front.
"I've seen some centre forwards in my time and he works as hard as any of them. Plus he's good in the air and he scores goals. I'd be doing that deal now!
"He's only going to get better and he ticks the boxes. He'd be joining a squad full of young, hungry England players that could all grow together."
Calvert-Lewin's 2021/22 campaign has been interrupted by injury as he has started just six Premier League games so far.
Arsenal's striker situation
Merson believes that, for the moment, Gabriel Martinelli should be played up front instead of Lacazette.
"I would give Gabriel Martinelli a go up front. You can't rely on Alexandre Lacazette to get you goals. I would play Martinelli there," Merson continued.
"Take a chance on him. He's very lively. Very quick. Defenders don't like that. If he gets away from you, he's in. He's bright, and he's a good finisher.
"He could be the superstar Arsenal are waiting for, and they play through the lines, they play delicate little balls that he thrives on. Give him a go.
"I'm not sure Arsenal have blown their chances of the top four by not signing a striker this window. They only play once a week - a huge advantage. I still think they've got a chance.
"The shackles are off. No-one's expecting too much from them. They can go out and play without pressure. They're a young, enthusiastic team."
