Paul Merson tells Arsenal to sign Fikayo Tomori in January | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has urged Arsenal to sign Fikayo Tomori.

The former Arsenal star believes that Gunners manager Mikel Arteta needs to sign a new centre-back in the January transfer window.

Merson thinks that AC Milan and England international centre-back Tomori would be perfect for Arsenal.

The pundit has noted what makes the £24 million (BBC Sport) centre-back a special player and why he would be a good fit for Arsenal.

Merson told Sky Sports when asked what Arsenal need in the January transfer window: “I think they need a forward and I would go for Fikayo Tomori. They need a centre half. If you’re looking at the all-round package over the next few years, you’re looking at a very good player.

“He has played at a top club for AC Milan and Chelsea, he’s played under pressure. That’s what you need at a top club like Arsenal.

“He might be a back-up. But that can change quickly. But Arsenal need back-up and someone who is going to come in like-for-like. As soon as William Saliba or Gabriel come out the team, whoever steps into that defensive line weakens the team. That’s no disrespect to them, because the other two are so good.”

“And the forward? I’d go get Ollie Watkins. He’s proven, he ticks the boxes big time for Arsenal.”

View: Arsenal need a striker, not Fikayo Tomori

Tomori is a good defender and is at the top of his game at the age of 27.

There is no doubt that the defender would be a good addition to the Arsenal squad, but he is not what the Gunners need right now.

Arsenal need to sign a striker. Gabriel Jesus is injured, and Havertz has scored just eight goals in the Premier League so far this season.

William Saliba and Gabriel are two of the best centre-backs in the Premier League. Tomori would not be able to break that partnership.

Of course, there could be injuries to Saliba and/or Gabriel, but Arsenal cannot second-guess that and spend a lot of money to bring in a defender now.

Arsenal need to sign a top-quality number nine. There is speculation that the Gunners could make a second bid for Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins after their first offer was rejected. That is something that the North London club should pursue.

Arteta’s side are second in the Premier League table at the moment with 47 points from 23 matches.

Arsenal are six points behind leaders Liverpool, who have played 22 games.

The Gunners will take on fourth-placed and defending champions Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League on Sunday.