Merino Or Eze!? Who’s The 8 Arsenal NEED!? | In-Focus

Sign Up & Join Us On Playback ▶️ www.playback.t...
🗞️ Read the latest transfer news on our website 👉 aftv.co.uk/news
📲 Download the AFTV+ app to get involved with FANZONE, pick your starting XI and rate the players after every match! 👉 aftv.page.link...
⚽️ Subscribe to DR Sports to see your AFTV favourites involved in even more sports and entertainment content! 👉 / @drsportsmedia
▶️ Subscribe to AFTV: bit.ly/AFTVYT
📸 Follow us on Instagram: bit.ly/AFTVIG
💬 Follow us on X: bit.ly/AFTVTwi...
📲 Follow us on TikTok: bit.ly/AFTVTT
👤 Follow us on Facebook: bit.ly/AFTVFB
🧵 Follow us on Threads: bit.ly/AFTVThr...
👻 Subscribe to us on Snapchat: bit.ly/AFTVSC
🎮 Follow us on Twitch: bit.ly/AFTVTwitch
🎧 Listen to our podcasts: aftv.co.uk/pod...
🛍 Shop for AFTV merch: shop.aftv.co.uk
🖥 Visit our website: www.aftv.co.uk
🔴 AFTV is the largest football fan network in the world! With a bias towards Arsenal FC, we're the place where the fans' uncensored opinions can be heard before, during and after the whistle blows. Join in the banter and follow us for football previews, watchalongs, fan cams, podcasts and more!
🙋 Do you have a suggestion for content that you would like to see on AFTV?
➡️ Fill out this suggestion form and we might use your idea: bit.ly/3iork8J
⚠️ DISCLAIMER: Football is a vibrant game and fans are passionate. Colourful language is sometimes used, and controversial opinions are expressed. Content is often streamed live, and we are not always able to edit or censor material in advance. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. The thoughts, views and opinions expressed are those of the contributors and do not necessarily purport to be or reflect those of AFTV.
#InFocus #Arsenal #AFTV #Football

[@Dinga271]

Dont see why Youssaf Fofana isn’t considered more seriously. Especially given his price tag.

[@ochiramoses7821]

Even France doesn't value him

[@LukeJohnson-tw5bo]

What are you talking about??? He's signed for Milan

[@ktmsnoop]

@@LukeJohnson-tw5bono he hasn’t. He’s agreed personal terms with Milan. Same way Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Calafiori. Means nothing until both clubs agree on a fee.

[@BeforeThisNovember]

I think he is on the list. Just probably as a 4th choice last resort

[@Charlie-wise]

Eze and ESR are almost similar. Instead of paying 60m for Eze, pay 25-30m on Merino and then keep ESR. Then go all out for a striker. Alvarez is now available for a move. So also is Toney, Gyokeres, Osimhen, Isak or even Vhlahovic. Get Merino, one of these strikers , calafiori and a winger

[@AaAa-je5eo]

This. Unless ESR is pushing for a leave so he can be the main man somewhere else and try to get back into that england team.

[@captainawesome9458]

Sell ESR. Get Eze.

[@captainawesome9458]

Sell ESR. Get Eze. ✅

[@BeforeThisNovember]

That’s about 200m. There’s absolute zero chance we buy 2 forwards. It’s either a versatile winger (someone LIKE Williams) or a versatile Striker (like Gyokeres) Plus Calafiori and a CM. 3 players. Don’t forget we also just bought Raya for 27m, which gets overlooked

[@jm8585]

My guy really thinks ESR is on Eze’s level 😂

[@RedmiMi-bd4fh]

Mikel mireno is Spanish xhaka with added pace

[@kywrte9517]

Exactly, he's perfect for us

[@wolfgang8260]

facts

[@elarabymohammed1]

He can get 16 G/A like Xhaka from that no. 8 role tho? 🤔

[@imranahmed6598]

There shouldn't be a comparison, we need both profiles and names

[@rahullodha3162]

It's more likely we sell both Partey and ESR. Then we should buy both. Rice will be a stable 6. Merino and eze both as our 2 LCM options depending on game states. Both can provide covers to Rice and Odegaard as well and raise the ceiling and floor. And both are very good opportunities when it comes to price as well. We can massively upgrade our midfield in £40-50m including the sales of esr and partey. We'll have Rice and Jorgi as our 2 6s, Merino and eze as our 2 L8s and odegaard and vieira as our 2 R8s. It's a perfect balance. If we only sell partey, then Merino makes sense and if we sell only ESR, then eze makes more sense.

[@jeromekeith9775]

It’s mad but we don’t actually have a cm in the team. We have 6’s & no.10s. Attempts to develop Rice & Havertz into a no.8 last season. Yes Bring Merino. A Spanish cultured technical & physical mature no.8 going for good price.

[@Silvhino-g8m]

SWAP Smith Rowe for EZE?

[@kelvinwizzykelvinwizzy2436]

The most exciting news for me will be the signing of a prolific goal scorer. Coyg ❤

[@TheKh65]

Yeah, let's neglect all the other positions we need strengthen

[@csandsoccer4660]

@@TheKh65​​⁠That’s not what Kelvin is saying is it? 🤦‍♂️

[@TheKh65]

@@csandsoccer4660 did I say he did¿

[@jeromekeith9775]

I guess u won’t be excited this year. Cause we ain’t signing a striker. The signing of Merino will almost confirm the permanent move to ST for Havertz.

[@TheKh65]

@csandsoccer4660 didn't say he did? Did I?

[@peterkpanaki8523]

Merino because he has a better sense of positioning, has aerial ability and he is a better header

[@DavidLawlor-ci8wz]

Eze a left winger and Spainish lad is a central midfielder 🤷‍♂️

[@effayeyeayzed]

Calafiori x Merino x Gyokeres/Alvarez Will be one hell of a window.

[@curtisohara9158]

Eze in the 8 doesn't make sense with this arsenal team Merino does

[@abhinavsingh619]

Eze has what Arsenal is lacking and also a left wing option. Merino will unlock Martinelli and Havertz on left but I’d rather have someone more athletic

[@ArsenalScout]

☝️📮

[@curtisohara9158]

@@abhinavsingh619 Trossard can do all that and he was our man for the big moments

[@thabotsutsubi4032]

We’ll be playing very brave football

[@curtisohara9158]

@@thabotsutsubi4032 don't think so I think it will be more defensive to concede less again

[@alastairben8751]

I think we could do with both

[@AmbJaphetIsaack]

I shall go for Eze and welcome him with open arms to the Gunners family

[@thabotsutsubi4032]

Eze improves us, he definitely makes an impact.

[@omar6579]

Great analysis james 👏🏽

[@oppocot]

clearly edu is struggling to bring in calafiori. next week after next week. 48 hours after 48 hours. i think neither merino nor eze would come to us in this summer.

[@arjanndoj4444]

I am worried too. Its taking so long!

[@Nanny6999]

Arsenal loss games when they lose the midfield battle, so I would go for merino.

[@lokz75]

Merino, we need a midfield presence, like a Viera or Gilberto....👍

[@BB-ck7xe]

He really reminds of Edu - very similar all-rounder with a very similar stature.

[@lokz75]

@BB-ck7xe Agreed, similar build, height and left footed...

[@romaleroberts3971]

arsenal needs a camavinga type player, that can play 8 and 6 well, because rice is better when he gets the 8 role

[@ajhahaha7438]

hes better as the 6

[@alvinashley_b]

True

[@Austinlorenzmccoy]

both, one can play 8/6, the other 8/11 we need the 2 then just get a striker and saka's back up (Asprilla)

[@BeforeThisNovember]

Eze is quite mid. He reminds me a lot of Iwobi, all be it slightly better. Merino would be a solid acquisition, but obviously not a long term solution Would love to see us go in for De Jong, especially as Barca need funds for Williams and others. Obviously Williams is my number one target dream but let’s face it, he wants Barca and they him.

[@zizoo8256]

*Here is how i see this* , although i love Eze more , *i see Merino more useful to us* , what Merino lacks is ball cary, that something players from the back like Timber can do , not to mention our alleged signing Califiori who i assume is brought in for things like this . I think we should build the team around our toughness ,strong hold , & stronger defensive lines. Plus we need Merino's heading ability inside the box where Shaka scored some goals like that . We need to be more unpredictable, more creative, & of course don't forget we need a world class striker 🔥

[@Just-J2]

We do NOT need a striker.

[@zizoo8256]

@@Just-J2 i respect your opinion, but u probably the *ONLY* gooner who thinks that . Am gonna assume ur ideology is that if we can bring a wide player & a midfielder, along with what we already have now , that would be enough .. !! I respectfully disagree, as long as we don't solve the problem of that position, we won't get anywhere, to lack the efficiency in any position in the team, then immediately u r not a champion team who will get trophies .

[@Just-J2]

@@zizoo8256 we do not have an issue with scoring goals. We broke our own goalscoring record 2 seasons in a row. Havertz is the most well rounded, top cf itw in his current age bracket. He gives us the tactical flexibility we want, being able to play long or from the back, and win duels in the box. Now, think about this. What strikers, in the current market, can replicate the havertz dynamics in the front 3, is a tall presence in the box (which Arteta MUST have), and is an upgrade on havertz profile wise? The only possible options are oshimen(costs too much) and Evan Ferguson (who’s still raw). You’re fixing problems we don’t have, you’re just creating your own problems. Oshimen is a superior havertz with the added ability of transitional threats, but is even WORSE at finishing. In other words, buying oshimen is like paying 100mil for pace, and that’s it. Ferguson is the only striker option that can replicate havertz profile and is a clear upgrade in the cf position but he’s simply too raw and too expensive as of now. Name me any other viable striking option, and if I have watched and known the player before, I can easily tell you why it’s not a good buy. There’s a few musts for arsenal this window. This window isn’t to upgrade the starting xi, rather like Arteta wants, to provide even better squad depth for every position. Arsenal need a defender that can cover lb (replicating Gvardiol role in city) and versatile in the back 4. Arsenal also need 2 midfielders, especially if partey leaves, which is almost certainly the case. A DM that can cover for rice and a high quality left 8 that can be starting most matches. For the forward options, arsenal won’t buy more than a winger, one that can play on both flanks and is a threat transition wise. Buying a striker, in the current market is simply idiocy. Sesko was the only real option, and it was cuz he was a market opportunity. Our fanbase are pure idiots, none of them understanding what Arteta and edu aim and strive for in the current squad, or how we even play at all. Clearly showcased by those who keep asking for a striker for no reason. Wait and see what happens by the time the window ends. Arteta vision is clear, just don’t be blind. He knows far more than any of you lot.

[@SmithyAFC]

We need both… but Merino in the 8 and Eze as a forward front line player.

[@user-du1sf9fr6i]

I would prefer Merino because of progressive passing, heading and prizewise .

[@KHID-JR]

AMAZING PLAYERS.🔥.

[@StBitrus]

I think Olmo will be a better option to Eze and Merino

[@brandonwhitehurst1090]

Olmo not an 8 we need an 8

[@clelantyeboah176]

Why we doesn’t make enquiries about Kudos? And pay what they want that will be much better

[@falsemanager654]

Because Saka is better and You don't bench Kudus

[@TheOptimalEdge_]

I love this studio background ❤ Electrifying

[@runebjerregaard1247]

We needs more physical strenght in our midfield, so merino is the player we should go for.

[@dele-586]

We do need presence Merino makes sense but Eze also makes sense because of his versatility. It will depend if party is sold aswell

[@officialdyna]

Arteta loves Spanish players so no doubt it will be merino and Niko Williams that Arsenal are interested in

[@abebegirmay3327]

You comparing two different players, Merino is more midfield player who can play along side Rice which Arsenal need to replace Partey and Jorgino. Eze will be playing in the same position as Martinelli & Trossard but he can also play as number 10 incase Martin Ødegaard needs rest or injured. So, Arsenal need both of them not one of them.

[@duniyacrimedi]

we need both....we are little short in midfield,and badly need squad depth (an area where man city have an upper hand)....both are decent players and belong to different positions,eze also will be an alternative for burn out saka

[@EJAZ_ZIEY]

Merino will improve our setpiece

[@quincybrown3583]

For the upcoming season according to Arteta and fine margins we have to set up differently because if we want to attack with efficiency rice does not work at the 6 but defensively he is perfect.. he does not offer the verticality that party offers that make our attacks unpredictable. Rice always goes wide and doesn’t make breaking line or risky passes. Which sometimes stifle us against teams that park the bus…..Rice box to box Moreno as 6. Or interchangeably during games Eze for his creativity against low block teams We need both players

[@adamfin5680]

Where’s caliafori

[@samjall9216]

😂😂😂😂

[@5DRevenueSolutions]

We are not going to sign him. We wont be willing to pay the 10M difference

[@sonnyloffy8804]

Still haggling over his price. Foreign clubs take a piss by overpricing their players when dealing with EPL clubs.

[@thedrip4921]

I want Eze. This Merino link does my head in- dead.

[@abovebeyondkct6589]

Easy: both players have played in the PL…. Which one has been better? Sign that one. Eze. I wouldn’t hate the signing of Merino, but he’s not the type of player that could take this squad to the next level. Eze is. All that being said, they’re two completely different players in two completely different positions. Especially with ESR going, we NEED more attacking options, Eze can do a bit of everything on that front. What if (god forbid) Odegaard went out? Who’s the 8/10? Viera? We don’t have another option. Eze is a no brainer here. At least amongst these two

[@ezigunner6739]

Smith Rowe can do what eze can do

[@jayteetee3474]

I would take both of them

[@mohamad6090]

merino is more sensible(xhaka/kimmich type ) eze is more exciting(more of a Trossard/ESR replacement

[@NMJAsaid]

We have to get both, they are two different players

[@Txuriurdines]

Merino will stay 🙏

[@omaricampbell182]

Yup eze isnt an 8. Definitely a 10 or a winger

[@Whatmobiledeal]

If we can get Kimmich and Eze or Williams, it’ll of been a successful window.

[@hasanramzan6578]

Eze is not a number 8. His best position is off the left, he can play as a number 10 in 4-2-3-1. So if we want a number 8, Eze is not that.

[@thegriotnewzic2255]

The better option is Onahi from Morroco and Marseille

[@AhmedHassan-st3qm]

I like Onana in midfield but Merino will be a good alternative

[@elarabymohammed1]

I think neither. Also both players are polar opposite IMO. I wish arsenal can get someone with Kobbie Mano's profile.

[@e.samuelrealestateagent3366]

Get both, if we can't get Bruno gumiraes

[@matthewpowell9743]

Are we comparing Apples and Bananas again. I feel they play on different positions. EZE goes more winger Merino is more central.

[@matiascarvalho9424]

Get both and forget about a new striker (or leave it for next summer). Raya, GK, Calafiori, Eze and Merino is our market. And selling Tierney, ESR, Nkethia, Ramsdale (maybe we can't), and maybe kiwior (i would keep him).

[@jeffreyowusu-ansah6136]

Arsenal need Merino at all costs he’ll bring the perfect balance we need to our midfield. We have too many 10s who aren’t doing anything For us we need too natural 8’s in this team it’s too unbalanced why can’t this manager resolve this midfield issue is so many years, klopp used one season to fix liverpools midfield centre when they fell off arteta is a joke!

[@nathan_smh2463]

I'd love us to go for Goretzka

[@KoThet-ex7dm]

We are choosing too many players. Edu already knew what he could do within the budget. We should focus on low prices with high prolific players like Merino, Weiper and Doue.

[@owenmorse3136]

A successful team has to have balance to it . Arteta plays 4, 3 , 3 in style so Moreo would be the better signing Eza you would have to put into the wlde left group of players including Martinelli and Trossard do we need another player for that position No I don't think so .

[@flashstep09]

The question begs to be asked before we look at these players. Which position in the squad are we looking to fill here? A first choice no. 8? If so then what about Declan Rice? Is he going to be the no. 6 then? We weren't good with Declan at 6 last season.

[@midastouch700]

Arsenal should get both, no debate because the price for both put together is not bank breaking. They will make Arsenal midfield more scary.

[@falsemanager654]

You don't pay £50m for a bench player when your starting 11 isn't complete

[@ethioskycode1330]

eze is a winger or attacking player

[@Gustav16361]

Eze is more versatile, he can be used to rest Saka. He is not a first team starter however, but he is a very good rotation player. I'd take him over most players Arsenal is linked with.

[@joec354]

get both , merino replaces partey , exe replaces smith rowe and nelson

[@nathanielejeta]

I am arsenal fan from use and. England must be win tomorrow game with espin wish u good lack my England

[@edwardkelly3280]

I like Merino

[@jayalexander7763]

Get both but if Arsenal said only one then I’d get Merino

[@BB-ck7xe]

Big Nick Jover + Merino? We could get 100+ goals just with set-pieces!

[@Silvhino-g8m]

Eze is the same as Smith Rowe

[@m.d8434]

ESR with minutes, please. Why do we need EZE. Not that he is a bad player, but is he better than ESR.

[@chernorumubah8092]

Olmo should be our signing

[@omarthompson6053]

Eze for me

[@TheKingSkillsBW67]

MUSIALA! Stop doing stuff that’s not going to close the gap on City! Eze is not even close to a 💯ESR10! Merino is excellent as a no6. Perfect brain 🧠 for the duties Arteta demands from his no6. We all know all that Rice is not yet ready for no6 demands in an Arsenal setting. Good squad player for rotations and options.

[@katlego8539]

Why not get both? 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@rudezgunnerz5710]

Olmo 🔥

[@highonswae6547]

ESR and nketiah goes. Get eze and merino in. And one more forward.

[@86MarcusP]

Mereno To Compete and really Unleash RICE, Sign EZE os to Challenge OdeKlaas, but Would Return RICE to a 6...Regression, Not Good.

[@Thierry-in-Londinium]

👉 James, do your research deeper bro! Eze isnt just homegrown. He was Arsenal! Just like Kane, he was a gunner until our muppet scouting & under-X teams fupped it again & released him. The guy is an Arsenal product FFS. So its MUCH bigger & deeper than moving between Palace & Arsenal. Thats obvious.

[@brianlucky8465]

I want SASA LUKIC!!!

[@jayalexander7763]

Instead of paying 60m for Eze I’ll pay 60 for Joao gomes

[@emmanueletukudo1213]

Merino is gonna play as DM when Partey goes Eze will play a number 8 when Smith Rowe goes Pretty simple

[@jeromekeith9775]

Players like Fofana or Onana were more suitable replacements for a Partey but they’ve agreed moves elsewhere. So Thomas is staying. & we will still get a Merino to play no. 8 tho. Like Xhaka & Rice have done in this system.

[@thurstonlebruh6611]

Merino makes so much more sense but it’s feels like AFTV are trying to force an Eze agenda

[@thurstonlebruh6611]

(I’m not saying James is forcing this btw)

[@bobbywonder4574]

we should go for younger players

[@smartnetwork7049]

Eze is far better

[@godfreypeter367]

We Need Eze please🙏

[@afrifakyei]

This sounds like a no brainer.....answer is EZE 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@falsemanager654]

Yet you got the answer wrong 😭🤡☠️

[@MJR.99]

Both

[@brianmccloskey8575]

Kudus over both.

[@trashed4005]

Por que no los dos?

[@pongshekyk4471]

Are we buying striker

[@pierre3903]

I bet Havertz Stats is better then Eze This doesn't mean he is a good 8. Relax James You look desperate

[@clelantyeboah176]

Bro the point is Arsenal need someone who can play like Ødegaard

[@chrystoffershalhalhera2058]

Musaila is not for sale

[@dodgysmum8340]

Wont work w eze at 8. Bt merino not good enuff

[@ngoeemmanuel3353]

Eze

[@domagojhrgovic7419]

Eze is not even an 8.

[@thejokerafc4life634]

These guys are not the same style of player 😂😂.....why compare them, eze is quality....get both of them, sell esr, nelson, lokonga

[@MeeJacobs6929]

Eze = LW/CAM. Therfore NOT happening. Is Merino the best #8 we could come up with? Seriously? Average!

[@bradleyc3218]

The best available left footed 8. Will bring more balance to that left side.

[@MeeJacobs6929]

@@bradleyc3218 absolutely agree with that!

[@jaideeppatel7080]

Both underwhelming singing. Recency bias from the euros and end of season. We need proven players. Eze only done it for 6 months and doesn't fit our system. Fabian ruiz is much better than merino for Spain. It really does feel like we have no plan with this transfer window. We're just jumping for players who have had a few good months.

[@jamescarter5041]

Neither Eze, Merino or Califiori will join Arsenal.

[@sonysiam]

Merino is not our level ..just considering him as a target is unacceptable

[@Crvena27]

New signings are needed to strengthen this squad. We need cover for a lot of players; we need cover for Players always limping, players playing like they are playing 5-a-side somewhere in Sao Paulo, Players running without looking up, players playing up top and not scoring enough etc.

[@Artetasnumberonepickpocket]

Merino is mid

[@faizrizky9414]

Nahh, Merino ober Eze