Pundit Merson tells Eberechi Eze his Arsenal role is under serious threat 

Paul Merson has raised doubts over Eberechi Eze’s immediate future at Arsenal, suggesting the summer signing could struggle to regain his starting position.

Paul Merson: Squad Competition Could Lock Eze Out of Arsenal Team

The pundit issued the stark warning following a noticeable dip in form from the attacking midfielder.

Eze had seemingly cemented his importance with a standout hat-trick against Tottenham a month ago.

However, his influence has since waned, with the player being substituted in or out of his last five appearances and finding himself an unused substitute twice in recent weeks.

Merson highlighted the intense competition within Mikel Arteta’s squad as a major hurdle.

With Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and captain Martin Ødegaard all vying for similar roles, Eze faces a tough battle for minutes.

The former England international believes this situation could persist, making Eze a peripheral figure for the remainder of the season.

Crucially, Merson contrasted Eze’s challenge with the current reality for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, whom he views as a direct rival for England’s number ten shirt.

Rogers is enjoying a superb run of form, helping Villa on a ten-match winning streak.

“As we talk today, Morgan Rogers has got the shirt,” Merson stated on Sky Sports.

“You look at Eze, he might not get back in the Arsenal team for a while, he might be in and out. Whereas Rogers will be first-choice at Villa.”

This consistent playing time, Merson argues, gives Rogers a significant advantage in the race for an England spot at next summer’s World Cup.

He suggested the Villa star is now the frontrunner for the role if he maintains his performances.

The analysis places fresh scrutiny on Eze’s £60 million move from Crystal Palace.

After his explosive start, the 27-year-old must now rediscover his best form to navigate Arsenal’s squad depth and re-enter Arteta’s core plans.