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Arsenal legend Merson brutally claims Nketiah wouldn’t even get a start for Fulham after signing new £100k-a-week deal
ARSENAL legend Paul Merson has claimed Eddie Nketiah wouldn't even get in the FULHAM team.
The Gunners recently tied the 23-year-old down to a new five-year deal as his contract was set to expire at the end of the month.
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The Englishman netted five goals in Arsenal's final seven Premier League matches of last season to convince Mikel Arteta and Co of his abilities.
But Merson remains critical of Nketiah's talent, insisting he does not have what it takes to push the North London outfit into the Champions League.
Speaking to the , he said: "All Arsenal have got up front right now is Eddie Nketiah, who recently signed a new contract when it looked like he might leave.
"And no disrespect to Nketiah but Mikel Arteta must realise he won’t get you into the top four. Absolutely no chance. That’s a fact.
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"Nketiah can’t be spearheading your Champions League push. He’s not getting in ahead of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison at Everton and they almost got relegated.
"He’s not getting in at Fulham ahead of Aleksandar Mitrovic and they’ve only just been promoted.
"I’m not having a go at him but he’s not getting you top four."
Unlike Nketiah, striker Alexandre Lacazette left the Emirates at the end of the season when his Gunners contract expired.
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He returned to Lyon - five years after departing the Ligue 1 side for £46.5million.
It leaves Arsenal short up front heading into the 2022-23 campaign as they prepare for European competition once more.
Arteta's men narrowly missed out on the Champions League places after two defeats in their final three games - opening the door for rivals Tottenham to leapfrog them.
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But the Gunners have still qualified for the Europa League and will be joined in the competition by Manchester United.
Arsenal kick off their season on the opening night of the Premier League as they travel to Crystal Palace on Friday August 5.
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