Merson backs Aubameyang exit and identifies replacement Arsenal must go for

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a perfect fit for Arsenal and they should break the bank to sign him next summer.

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.

They've got Aaron Ramsdale, Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka, Ben White – they could easily have five players in the England squad if they signed Calvert-Lewin.

Not on the fringes but right in there pushing to get in the England team. How many other teams in the Premier League could say that?

Until then, 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.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Is Dominic Calvert-Lewin Arsenal's best option in the summer? Comment here

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.

If they can take it to the last few games of the season they have every chance.

For once, I say fair play to Arsenal on Aubameyang. They've made a decision. Too often they've taken the easy option.

Not this time. They just wanted rid of him and they got it done. Before he got his contract Aubameyang was unplayable.

But he wasn't really performing this season and the rift between him and the manager had got too big.

Now they've got to get their work done and make sure they've got a top drawer centre forward signed up on day one in the summer.

I like what they've done. They've freed up a lot of wages and whoever comes in won't be saying: 'Aubameyang gets £350,000-a-week,

'I want £350,000-a-week as well.'

That's nipped in the bud now. They won't be held to ransom. And they can use the money they've saved to get a top-class player like Calvert-Lewin.

Source: Read Full Article