Arsenal legend Paul Merson has theorised that the signing of Noni Madueke could be a preparation for life without Bukayo Saka.
The Gunners hero wrote in his latest Sky Sports column that he is ‘shocked’ and ‘flabbergasted’ by the club bringing in a player similar to their star man Saka.
Merson insisted that Madueke won’t be replacing his compatriot, but did put forward the theory that his arrival could mean Arsenal are preparing for life without Saka.
Merson is clearly not a fan of the move for Madueke in the first place, claiming the reported £52million Arsenal are spending is a lot for a player who is inconsistent and won’t offer top performances in every game.
The ex-England international acknowledged that Madueke’s best position is on the right wing where he can cut inside and shoot. He claimed that Saka would not be replaced in the starting XI while Ethan Nwaneri is also another that can play on that side. Merson even stated that maybe the Gunners don’t fancy the youngster as a player.
Then came his theory that most Arsenal fans will not understand. Under the headline ‘Are Arsenal preparing for an exit?’, Merson wrote: “Call me a cynic, but is there another reason why they are doing this deal?
“Are there concerns about the future of Saka?
“Are they getting this deal done and then all of a sudden it allows a potential sale of Saka or someone else.
“The one player at Arsenal who has to play every week is Saka. When he doesn’t play, they are not the same team. The players around him are not the same when he doesn’t play.
“If fit, he plays. So why do you spend £52m on a backup for him?”
The Gunners are still in negotiations over a new contract for Saka, but both parties are said to be relaxed so there is unlikely a fear that an exit is on the cards.
Merson, who recently revealed himself as a Chelsea fan despite his status as an Arsenal legend, did state that the signing of Madueke could allow the signing of Saka or ‘someone else’ which does seem a bit more possible. There has been talk of Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard moving away from Arsenal and its far more likely one of those two would leave instead of Saka.
The signing of Madueke is a bit strange considering the price paid and the fact he will be a backup to Saka, but there is no way his arrival will mean a departure for the Gunners’ star man. The winger has been Arsenal’s best player over the past few seasons and he will continue to be that for years to come. I am confident in saying he will not be leaving north London any time soon.
