Pundit Paul Merson has urged Arsenal to make a move for Crysencio Summerville, who has been impressive in the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far. The 24-year-old has done really well for the Netherlands, scoring twice and providing an assist in two appearances in the FIFA World Cup.
Following West Ham United's relegation last season, Summerville has emerged as one of the most attractive options in the transfer market. He enjoyed a solid campaign with the Hammers despite the club going down at the end of the season.
Paul Merson has highlighted that Arsenal need more pace on the wings if they have to elevate themselves to the next level. He has claimed that signing Summerville could be beneficial for Mikel Arteta's side following his showings in the FIFA World Cup. He said, as quoted by Metro:
"For me, they need a left winger to go to the next level, and they need to send it forward, in my opinion. If Arsenal can get them two, I still think they win the league next year, but then I think they absolutely dominate football. When you look at the transfer market, there are options out there. Someone like Summerville has been terrific. He’s played well for West Ham and started really well at the World Cup for the Netherlands. He’d certainly be the kind of player profile that Arsenal should be looking at."
Merson added:
"I like (Bradley) Barcola from PSG as well. Martinelli’s done well, and Trossard’s a good footballer, but I just think they need that winger who is going to scare the opposition. I just find when I watch Arsenal, and I think it was really, really obvious when they played PSG, they’re quite pace-less. They’re not a quick team. They’re not a team that they’re going to counter-attack you, and you’re fearless of them. That was the problem in the PSG game. There’s not that much pace. And for me, I think that needs that real pace to take them to the absolute next level, where teams won’t have to suffocate them like PSG did."
Summerville has gathered plenty of experience in English football over the last six years, having initially joined Leeds United from Feyenoord in 2020. He moved to West Ham United in 2024 and has been decent for the Hammers.
The Dutchman scored seven goals and provided five assists in 34 appearances across competitions for the Hammers last season. Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for the winger.
Patrick Vieira heaps praise on Arsenal star amid backlash from fans at FIFA World Cup
Arsenal and France icon Patrick Vieira has heaped praise on Noni Madueke amid backlash from fans over his inclusion in England's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad. Thomas Tuchel made some big calls while naming his 26-man squad, keeping major stars like Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and others out.
Noni Madueke was one of the players whose inclusion in England's FIFA World Cup squad caused an uproar from fans. The 24-year-old also started for the Three Lions in their FIFA World Cup opener against Croatia, which ended in a 4-2 win for the Three Lions. While discussing Madueke's place in the side, Patrick Vieira said:
"The way that they play in the first-half, and I think the role and responsibility of Kane will be quite the same, he’s going to drop. So you expect those wingers to run in behind with pace and you are not going to find somebody better than Madueke to do it."
He added:
"I think we are… maybe the press are a little bit hard on him. But so far, he’s been really positive. And I think there is a really clear idea about how they want to play the game.‘So if he’s got the same kind of attitude on the field, I think he can still do a really good job for England."
Arsenal fans were not fond of Mikel Arteta's decision to sign him from Chelsea last summer. However, he did a decent job for them, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in 43 games. With Bukayo Saka having struggled with injuries throughout the season, Madueke played a key role in the Gunners' Premier League triumph.