Paul Merson has joked that if Michael Olise does sign for Arsenal, then the Crystal Place player needs to ‘calm down’ when on the ball, as he told Soccer Saturday (12/03/22 at 2:30 pm).
The former double-winner at Highbury labelled the Palace playmaker as a ‘gifted kid’, who plays the game at his own pace, despite playing in the best league in the world.
With Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira at the helm, Olise is having a very strong season and his performances are shining bright across other Premier League teams.
There are suggestions that Arsenal, amongst other clubs, are keen on the £8 million player (BBC Sport).
Nonetheless, this was the brilliant message Merson sent to Olise and what he needs to do if he ever swaps Arsenal for Palace after watching him seemingly walk with the ball during one attacking phase.
“If he does sign for Arsenal, then he needs to calm down when he’s on the ball,” said Merson.
“You don’t want to be rushing like that. I mean, seriously.” the ex-Arsenal man sarcastically added.
“You are talking about the Premier League. The quickest league in the world by a million miles and he’s got the ball there like it’s a testimonial. There is an art to that. The kid is a gifted kid. Very gifted.
“I see that Patrick is saying ‘you should stay here and play’. It’s going to be a hard one for him because the kid is an absolute talent.”
Mikel Arteta is starting to build something of serious note in north London and that Champions League spot could be golden when they next enter the transfer window.
Arsenal already have a plethora of attacking talents to choose from, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
Even Smith Rowe, who is Arsenal’s top scorer this season, is sitting on the bench, that’s how well the forward line is operating.
From that aspect, Olise doesn’t get anywhere near Arsenal’s side, but add in Champions League football and it becomes a different kettle of fish.
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