Paul Merson: Fabio Vieira is ‘not good enough’ for Arsenal and Ivan Toney move is essential

Former Arsenal legend Paul Merson believes that Fabio Vieira is ‘not good enough’ for the Gunners and that a January move for Ivan Toney is essential to sustain a Premier League title challenge.

Despite going ahead twice in the north London derby last Sunday, Arteta’s team were pegged back on both occasions by Tottenham and were forced to settle with a 2-2 draw.

It continues Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the season, but they now sit four points off Manchester City at the top of the Premier League after the champions’ 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest.

Fabio Vieira’s Quality

With injuries to Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, Mikel Arteta was forced to start Gabriel Jesus out wide against Spurs. Kai Havertz, meanwhile, has flattered to deceive since his big-money move from Chelsea in the summer, with the Gunners boss starting Vieira over the German for the last two league games.

However, according to Merson, such a lineup is emblematic of a lack of depth in the side, with the former Arsenal legend unsure about whether the Portuguese midfielder has the quality to start in Arteta’s side.

‘I was so confident that Arsenal would win on Sunday but when I saw the teams, I was majorly worried, he said to Sky Sports. ‘Jesus on the wing, [Eddie] Nketiah up front, Vieira – I don’t think he’s good enough. Then Declan Rice comes off and Jorginho comes on.

‘It wasn’t Arsenal’s strongest team but when you think about the Champions League and all the games they have to play, it looked a bit weak on Sunday, didn’t it?’

Nketiah’s Struggles

Despite his surprise first call-up to the England senior squad, Nketiah has only scored two goals so far this season in all competitions.

Ivan Toney’s Potential Move

Along with Jesus’ injury concerns, Merson says the Arsenal hierarchy may be forced back into the market for a reliable no.9 and believes that a move for Brentford’s Toney – returning from his gambling ban in January – should be a number one priority.

‘It’s alright sitting there and thinking ‘they need a centre forward’ – but who is there?’ he added. ‘Only Ivan Toney is available for them in January – there aren’t many centre forwards around in the world. They’re a dying breed.

‘Years ago you had Michael Owen, Alan Shearer, Teddy Sheringham and Robbie Fowler were getting 20 to 30 goals a season and they didn’t get a million England caps. Ian Wright and Les Ferdinand too. Now you get to 20 goals in the Premier League and you play for England.

‘Toney is a good player – he can hold the ball up, he’s good in the air. Arsenal might have to go for him. But there are not a million centre forwards around.’

Conclusion

With Fabio Vieira’s quality in question and Eddie Nketiah’s struggles this season, Paul Merson believes that Ivan Toney should be Arsenal’s number one priority in January if they want to sustain their Premier League title challenge. With Toney’s ability to hold up play and score goals, he could be the answer to Arsenal’s problems.