Chris Sutton shares why Mikel Merino is not the answer up front for Arsenal

Mikel Arteta only has Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri and Raheem Sterling at his disposal at present.

However, Arteta’s use of Mikel Merino up front against Leicester proved to be a masterstroke.

The midfielder – who had never even trained as a forward – came off the bench late on and scored twice.

This had led to some calls for Merino to start up front for Arsenal against West Ham.

However, Arteta hasn’t confirmed whether Merino will definitely play again as a forward.

Chris Sutton has now explained why he doesn’t feel the Spaniard is the answer for Arsenal on a longer-term basis.

Chris Sutton says Mikel Merino playing regularly up front for Arsenal would be a big ask

Sutton explained how difficult it is for a Premier League player who mostly plies his trade in one position to shine in another position.

Drawing on his own experiences as a player, Sutton said it would be a “monumental ask” of Merino to repeat the feat against stronger opposition.

However, the pundit also admitted that he’ll “happily” eat his words and that he’d quite like Merino getting into double figures.

I was used in central midfield once upon a time in the Champions League,” Sutton wrote in the Daily Mail. 

“In December 2003, it was Lyon versus Celtic, Juninho versus me in midfield. He scored twice and I scored once as we lost 3-2. 

“The difference with a midfielder being asked to do an impression of a striker is a great deal of it is based on goalscoring instincts and having that calmness amid the chaos when there is a chance to score.

“Merino had that composure to finish from two crosses and was signed partly because of how strong he is in duels.