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Paul Merson has questioned why Unai Emery did not try and sign Fabian Delph during this transfer window.

What did he say?

Fabian Delph spent four successful years at Manchester City, but he failed to secure a regular starting spot in Pep Guardiola’s side and, as such, he was moved on this summer during the transfer window. He ended up joining Everton in a deal which could be worth up to £10m.

Merson, however, believes that Arsenal should have made a move for the former Aston Villa man. He said on Sky Sports’ The Debate (via The Mirror):

“I look at him [Delph] and wonder why Arsenal didn’t sign him.

“He is better than the midfield three that played against Tottenham.

“He could have played at left back instead of Kolasinac on Sunday.

“I am a big fan of Delph. He can play in certain positions and is an excellent signing for Everton.”

“It feels like a loss” – that was the view of a Spurs fan after this weekend’s North London Derby in the video below…

Against the transfer policy

The 29-year-old has a wealth of experience he can call upon, having played Premier League football for a decade as well as earning 20 caps for England. Also, as Merson mentioned, he is versatile enough to fill in both in midfield and left-back, where he was often chosen for the Citizens.

However, his signing would clearly go against Emery’s transfer policy. If we look at the new arrivals at the Emirates Stadium this summer, they mostly have one thing in common: age. Of the group, only David Luiz is over 24, and he was signed on the final day when the Gunners were in need of a centre-back. There was clearly a strategy of bringing in young players and planning for the future, and the former Leeds man does not comply with that.

Delph is a good player, and will not doubt bring qualities to Everton that the Toffees need. But it would have been a mistake for Emery to make an exception and bring in a player that just doesn’t fit the club’s strategy.

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