Arsenal: Dries Mertens, Thomas Lemar… just why?

Arsenal’s strongest links are to new attackers like Dries Mertens and Thomas Lemar, but why is this even something we’re talking about?

Everyone loves a new signing, right? It’s a great unknown, something to look forward to and get excited about. But that doesn’t mean that Arsenal should go after just anyone, and when we’re linked to names like Dries Mertens and Thomas Lemar, I worry about things.

Rumors are just rumors, and I doubt these moves will happen. Especially with Mikel Arteta playing down the prospects of a big winter window. But the fact that the rumors are still lingering, perhaps for a potential summer move, makes me adamant enough to say that these kinds of names are bad ideas. Bad. Very bad.

Currently, Arsenal’s attack is populated by the aging, yet still financially viable Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang; Alexandre Lacazette, who struggles with confidence but is immensely talented; Nicolas Pepe, who is still settling in; and a bunch of youngsters, namely Gabriel Martinelli, who is ready for more of a role right now.

Going into next season, you can bet that we will still have Pepe and Martinelli and I would wager Lacazette would still be there too. The only question mark is Aubameyang, who I assume is the case of the Mertens link.

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If that’s how it pans out, fine. Mertens is very similar. Fleet of foot, can play striker or on the wings, scores goals. That’s all well and good.

But if we keep Aubameyang, there’s zero reason to go for Mertens. And even if we lose Aubameyang, I’d be much more interested in a younger striker to build around for the long term. Mertens changes nothing. He gives us what Aubameyang would give us. Honestly, I’d rather have Martinelli take Aubameyang’s spot than Mertens. Especially if we’re keeping Lacazette, who would feasibly remain the starting striker.

And Lemar? Please no. I’ve written a lot about this, so I won’t dwell on it as much here, but we already have one acclimating Ligue 1 winger. Why would we want a second? Lemar has spent two years trying to acclimate to La Liga and he hasn’t been able to. Give me Bukayo Saka over that any day.

Again, rumors are rumors, and there’s probably nothing here. But their very existence forced me to say something. These are not the kinds of players that we want. Which is exactly why Mikel Arteta won’t sign them.