‘Ticks the box’: Paul Merson says £20m player should sign for Aston Villa instead of Arsenal

As we head into the summer transfer window, there are a number of Premier League teams looking for a new striker.

Arsenal will sign a new striker this summer, while Chelsea have looked at bringing in a new number nine too.

On top of that, Manchester United also want a new centre-forward.

Liam Delap has been linked to a number of clubs as of late.

Chelsea are favourites to sign Delap, but Arsenal are also keen on Delap too.

Meanwhile, Delap is Manchester United’s top transfer target too.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Paul Merson has been discussing the Ipswich star’s future and which team he should sign for, and according to the pundit, Aston Villa would be a great fit for the forward.

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Liam Delap should join Aston Villa

Merson shared his verdict on the £20m man and where he should go this summer.

The pundit believes that Aston Villa would be a great fit for Delap, claiming that the fact that Villa are such a transitional team would suit the striker.

Merson reckons that teams defend too deeply against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City, noting that Villa or Manchester United would be a better fit.

“For me, the team that ticks the box is Aston Villa. Aston Villa tick the box for me, you know, a big pitch, they play on the counter as well, teams have a go at Villa, I just think with the bigger clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal and City, they stick 10 behind the ball. I think Man United would be a good fit, United would be a brilliant fit for me.”

Liam Delap compared to Ollie Watkins

Merson reckons that Delap would be a great fit at Aston Villa, but there’s a question around whether or not Villa need Delap.

Indeed, while the Villans did sell Jhon Duran in January, Unai Emery’s side are well-stocked in the attack.

Marcus Rashford’s deal can be turned permanent in the summer, while Donyell Malen is another decent option for Villa.

Of course, Ollie Watkins is Villa’s first-choice striker, and it will be tough for Delap to displace Watkins.

Of course, Delap is much younger than Watkins, so he could be a long-term replacement option, but, if Delap does move this summer, he’ll surely want first-team football immediately.

This would be a great fit tactically, but in terms of space in the squad, Villa may not be Delap’s best destination.

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