Arsenal should withdraw their interest in Mikel Merino and set their sights on former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante instead, according to Emmanuel Petit.
A new midfielder is a priority before the transfer window shuts later this month, and Mikel Arteta is understood to be close to bringing in Spain international Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad.
The 28-year-old, who featured for Euro 2024 winners Spain over the summer, is set to join the north London club in a deal worth around £30million.
But ex-Gunners midfielder Petit believes the Gunners should shirk the Merino deal in favour of a more audacious move for Kante amid concerns about Merino’s preferred position and his ability to adapt to the “physicality” of the English top-flight.
“I really liked Granit Xhaka, he went through a difficult time at Arsenal and fell out with the fans, but he came back like a warrior and he is the definition of a sportsman,” Petit told Safest Casino Sites .
“He proved everyone wrong. I think Mikel Merino is a good replacement for him, 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.
“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. 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.
Mikel Arteta has been urged to shelve interest in Merino and instead try and sign N’Golo Kane
“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.”
Kante, who is beloved by Chelsea fans after helping them to Premier League and Champions League titles, has already been linked with a move back to London this summer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, albeit to West Ham rather than Arsenal.
If Merino completes a move to the Emirates Stadium he will become Arsenal’s third summer signing following defender Riccardo Calafiori, who joined from Bologna, and goalkeeper David Raya, who made his loan move from Brentford permanent.
Arsenal are bidding to challenge reigning Premier League champions Manchester City for their throne this season and become title winners for the first time since 2004 following successive runners-up finishes.
The Gunners began their campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Wolves, but there remains uncertainty over whether Arteta’s side would be better equipped for the challenge with a new forward.
