Arsenal are chasing 'box-breaking' £42m giant who could actually replace Merino

Arsenal They may be a much better team than they were a few years ago, but as things stand, their season looks like it's on the verge of collapse.

Mikel Arteta The second side may be in Premier League But sit down Six points behind leaders Liverpoolwho have a game in hand. Moreover, they may have missed their chance to win the prize League Cup.

The Gunners hosted Newcastle United in the first leg, and despite trailing 2-0 early in the second half, the manager did not turn to any of his summer signings, including Mikel Merinowho started in the draw against Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend.

The Spain international could turn things around, but so far this season, he has struggled to impress fans, so recent reports linking the club with another central midfielder this month shouldn't come as a huge surprise.

Arsenal targets the former English Premier League star

According to According to the latest report from SpainArsenal is one of the many teams interested in signing the Juventus star Douglas Louise This month.

In addition to the Gunners, the report revealed that Manchester United, Tottenham and Fulham are all interested in the Brazilian star, who joined… The Old Lady for £42m in the summer After years of great performances for Aston Villa.

However, the versatile midfielder found himself out of favor in Turin, And with only 354 minutes played Through 13 appearances so far, the report claims the north Londoners are keen to bring him back to England on a short-term loan.

Getting over the line could be a complicated deal, especially if other clubs come forward with a permanent offer, but given Luiz's impressive performances for Villa over the years, it is something worth fighting for, even if it may spell trouble for Merino.

How does Luiz compare to Merino

Well, while Luiz can play as a six or eight in the team, the combination of Declan Rice and Thomas Partey already in the team and his attacking abilities would see him take on the latter role in north London if he does. He joined Arsenal this month.

So, although it may be tough, he will be in competition with Merino for a place in the team, a competition that many in England will back him to win.

However, how do we compare them to determine who would truly be the ideal starter in this left-handed role for Arteta and co?

Well, since neither of them has played much, nor well, this season, the best way to know is to compare their underlying numbers from last season, where both players were starters and vital members of the team. Divide them.

Unfortunately for the former Real Sociedad star, when we do, he's the 'box-breaker' Brazilian Analyst Ben Mattinson called itwhich comes at the top, and with some margin in it.

For example, the former Villa star emerges victorious in the majority of relevant metrics, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals as well as assists, progressive carries, shots, passing accuracy, key passes and passes into the box. , shots and shots. Goal creation actions, interceptions and more, all for every 90.

On top of having better fundamental numbers, the Rio de Janeiro-born dynamo had a much better return rate, scoring… Ten goals and ten assists In 53 matches, that equates to an average goal contribution of 2.65 matches.

On the other hand, the Spaniard scored Eight goals and five assists In 45 appearances for La Real, he reached a solid but less impressive average of goal involvements every 3.46 games.

Ultimately, Merino could be good for Arsenal and help them in their quest to win big trophies in the coming years, but as it stands, he is struggling to assert himself in this team, and while Luiz has also struggled in Italy, we all know how effective he has been in the Premier League. Excellent.

So, if the north Londoners have a chance to land the Brazilian on a short-term loan this month, they should take it.