Arsenal told undroppable Chelsea star can solve Arteta problem – and it's not Palmer or Mudryk

Paul Merson has urged Arsenal to sign Conor Gallagher this summer. The 24-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with an exit from Chelsea recently, with his contract at Stamford Bridge set to expire next year.

Conor Gallagher has featured 35 times for the Blues in the Premier League this season, scoring five goals and providing seven assists. His impressive performances lately have helped Mauricio Pochettino's side mount a late – and ambitious – push for Europa League qualification after a slow start to the campaign.

Despite Gallagher's best efforts, he's still yet to be rewarded with an extension. As it stands, the Cobham graduate, who's captained each of Chelsea's last 10 games, will leave on a free transfer following the expiration of his current deal in June 2025.

With Gallagher facing an uncertain future in west London, Merson has urged Arsenal to sign him. Speaking on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday show, he claimed the England international would get into 'every team' apart from Manchester City.

"If they sell Conor Gallagher, it’s five steps back," said the former Gunners midfielder. "I am a big Conor Gallagher fan, he gives you absolutely everything. I think he gets into virtually every team, probably Man City he doesn’t get into, any other team, I think he gets into.

"I would even go as far as to say at Arsenal you would, go and get him at Arsenal where you have got Rice, Odegaard and Gallagher. He gives you everything. He gives you energy, he gives you goals and he closes down. He is a fan’s dream. Everybody wants a trier."

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While Merson believes Gallagher could be a good signing, Kai Havertz doesn't seem so keen on the idea. In an interview with Chinese streaming service iQIYI earlier this month, the Arsenal forward was asked if he would like to bring any more of his former Chelsea teammates to north London.

"I don't even know, I think we have everyone here," said Havertz. "I'm happy with the squad."

Havertz was then asked if former Blues loanee Joao Felix would be a good fit at the Emirates Stadium. He replied: "He's an amazing player, a quality player for sure. But yeah, I have to say that I'm happy with the squad."