‘I don’t like the idea’ – Paul Merson has issued his verdict on unconventional Arsenal striker solution amid injury crisis

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Arsenal are in a state of crisis, with Mikel Arteta reduced to just three attacking options due to a plethora of injuries.

Kai Havertz suffered a hamstring injury in Dubai and will now miss the rest of the season.

Bukayo Saka is out until March, while Gabriel Martinelli is also not expected to return for a month, and Gabriel Jesus is a long-term absentee with an ACL injury.

This leaves Arteta with just Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri to pick from in forward areas, and thus unconventional options are being considered within the North London club.

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Paul Merson drops his verdict on Mikel Merino up front

Arsenal are considering converting a defender into a forward as they desperately look to find solutions to their lack of depth up front.

However, the club’s coaching staff are also said to be considering utilising Mikel Merino as a striker.

Merino hasn’t impressed Arsenal fans with his performances since his move from Real Sociedad in the summer, but does boast some attributes that could make him well equipped to being a striker.

The Spaniard is excellent in the air, winning 4.73 aerial duels per 90 minutes, which could make him a threat when Arsenal opt to cross the ball from out wide.

He’s also effective at operating in a pressing system, although Paul Merson doesn’t share the Gunners’ optimism about using the 28-year-old in this role.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson said: “I don’t like the idea of Mikel Merino playing up front. I just don’t see it working.

“Playing a Merino, he’s not a Havertz. He’s not a goalscorer.”

In spite of Merino’s aerial dominance and functional pressing, Merson likely has a point.

The ex-Newcastle man has shown no capacity to be a focal point, or to make runs in behind and stretch a defence.

His goal-scoring record is competent for a midfielder, but there’s little to suggest that he could transfer that into a striker role.

Deploying the Euro 2024 winner as a striker would be a huge risk for Arteta to take in the midst of a Premier League title race.

Paul Merson wants Arsenal to use Raheem Sterling as a striker

While Trossard is the most likely man to take the centre-forward mantle, having led the line for the Gunners previously, Merson had advocated for Sterling to be used centrally.

The Chelsea loanee spent time as a false nine at Manchester City, so has some experience of the role on his CV.

“I’d give Sterling a couple of games up there and I say that because of his movement,” Merson said.

“He can stretch the play and create space.

“Once the game becomes tight and compact, that plays into the hands of other teams. When Arsenal can open the game up, it allows [Martin] Odegaard to get on the ball and make things happen.

“It gives the likes of Nwaneri and Trossard time on the ball and with that, I think Arsenal will be alright.

“For me, it’s staring them straight in the face. Play Sterling, Nwaneri and Trossard and I’d be telling them they can drift across the front three.”

Merson’s proposition of a fluid front three is certainly significantly more appealing than seeing Merino lumber about as a striker.

While the situation appears bleak in N5, the remaining three players have the potential to forge something of a partnership in the next few weeks, which could blossom into a threatening trio.