Paul Merson explains why Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk would not start for Arsenal

Pundit Paul Merson has made a bold claim that Liverpool superstar Virgil van Dijk wouldn't make it to the starting XI at Arsenal. While the Dutchman is regarded as one of the finest centre-backs in the modern era, Merson reckons he would not get into the Gunners' XI.

Merson named Manchester City midfielder Rodri as the only player who would start for any team in world football. He claimed that Erling Haaland and Virgil van Dijk wouldn't be automatic choices at every club.

The pundit claimed Harry Kane could displace Haaland in Manchester City's starting XI. He also insisted that he would retain Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba as the Gunners' first-choice centre-back pairing rather than taking Van Dijk. Merson said, as quoted by TBR Football:

“People say Haaland, but there is a case that Kane could play instead of Haaland. The other one, Van Dijk. People said to me that Van Dijk would play in every other team, but would he play for Arsenal? Would you break up Gabriel and Saliba to get him in the team? There’s a case that you might not. There’s another one that wouldn’t get in every team in the world."

Van Dijk has arguably been the best centre-back on the planet following his £75 million switch to Liverpool in January 2018. The Dutchman has helped the Reds win eight trophies having made 277 appearances for the club so far. He finished second in the race to the 2019 Ballon d'Or behind Lionel Messi.

Magalhaes and Saliba have done well for Arsenal at the heart of the defense since the two paired up. They were the meanest defense in the Premier League last season allowing just 29 goals.

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Arsenal set to battle Liverpool for Bundesliga star: Reports

Arsenal are reportedly set to battle Liverpool for the signature of Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Larsson. The 20-year-old has caught the eye of a number of top clubs across Europe with his exploits for Malmo and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Larsson joined Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2023 in a deal worth a reported £8 million from Malmo. The box-to-box midfielder has made 44 appearances for the Bundesliga side so far having contributed with four goals and three assists.

As claimed by Caught Offside, Arsenal have registered their interest in the Sweden international, who has been a long-term target for Liverpool. However, they are reportedly set to face strong competition from Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. Larsson is reportedly valued at around £69 million and is contracted at the club until the summer of 2028.