Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are both looking at more signings in order to help them kick on for the remainder of the season.
Although Arsenal haven’t had a bad campaign, they’re still lagging behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are languishing in the lower reaches of the table and need reinforcements to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.
Arsenal’s £60million bid for Ollie Watkins a few days ago showed that their priority at present is a striker.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are now looking to sign AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori and negotiations are said to be going well.
However, Paul Merson has now urged Arsenal to hijack Spurs’ move for Tomori, and explained why the Gunners should bring the £25million-rated man to N5.
Arsenal told Fikayo Tomori would be great back-up for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes
Merson, speaking on the Sky Sports Transfer Show, acknowledged that Arsenal have two great centre-backs in William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
However, the Highbury legend warned that things can “change quickly” in case of injury, suspension or fatigue, and having another top defender is crucial.
“I would go for Fikayo Tomori,” said Merson. “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.”
Earlier on in the show, Merson also said: “I think there will be a lot of teams after Tomori.
“Man United could do with him and Arsenal could as well. Arsenal have two centre halves but you always say if one of them get injured, they’re right up against it.
“Tomori could get in a lot of teams and will be well, well wanted by a lot of teams.”
Tomori was linked with Arsenal a year ago, with reports claiming the Gunners were monitoring his progress in Italy.
What Tomori could bring to Arsenal or Tottenham
Tomori is a superb defender in his prime who has experience in the Premier League, Serie A, Champions League and internationally for England.
The 27-year-old has made 161 appearances for Milan and has won a Serie A title and an Italian Supercup with the Rossoneri.
Prior to his move to Milan, Tomori made 27 appearances for Chelsea, and he has also won five caps for the Three Lions.
Milan legend Mauro Tassotti is quoted by i as saying: “Tomori is good at winning the ball back, his speed is impressive. He anticipates a lot and he’s always aggressive.”
Meanwhile, fellow Rossoneri icon Alessandro Nesta said Tomori and Kalulu are “two modern centre-backs who put pressure high up the pitch and leave a lot of space behind.
“That allows the team to stay high, which is fundamental nowadays.”
And Fabio Capello described Tomori and Kalulu as “the future of Milan”.