Jermaine Pennant has urged Mikel Arteta to deploy Ethan Nwaneri in a central role to try and reignite Arsenal ’s attacking thrust. Dropped points against West Ham and Nottingham Forest have seen the wheels come off the Gunners’ Premier League title charge, with Arsenal now trailing runaway leaders Liverpool by 13 points.

Mikel Merino will play as the centre-forward. Mikel Merino is a versatile, strong makeshift centre forward with excellent hold-up play, aerial ability, vision, and intelligent link-up skills.

Mikel Arteta needs to make room for Raheem Sterling to start when Arsenal face PSV Eindhoven in their Champions League first leg.