Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta breathed a sigh of relief as Mikel Merino returned from international duty with Spain, ready to bolster the Gunners’ midfield.
Merino’s Arsenal career got off to a rocky start after injuring his shoulder in his first training session following a £30million move from Real Sociedad in August.
However, two games with Spain during the international break provided valuable minutes for the 28-year-old.
Merino made his first start for Spain this season, playing 61 minutes in a 3-0 win over Serbia, and will now eye a full debut for Arsenal against Bournemouth this weekend.
Gunners fans have glimpsed Merino’s potential in brief cameos, showcasing his physicality and dominance in the air.
At 6ft 2in, Merino adds height to Arteta’s team and has excelled in tackles and interceptions.
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Merino’s arrival could also impact Declan Rice‘s position, potentially pushing him to the base of midfield.
This would provide additional protection for Arsenal’s defense, already the best in Europe under Arteta.
Arteta:
“He is going to bring an unbelievable football brain.”
“He is so intelligent, the way he decides, he occupies spaces, he makes decisions and it is very rare to see that.
“He is a really talented player in every phase – defending and attacking.
He can do things that compliments really well with the qualities we have in midfield.
“[He will bring] physicality, for sure, and then he is a big threat. The moment he is in the opponent’s box, you see that he is a big, big threat.”
With Martin Odegaard still recovering from injury, Arteta will have to wait to pair him with Merino.
However, their familiarity from their time at Real Sociedad will facilitate a seamless partnership.
Over a packed schedule, including clashes with Chelsea, Liverpool, and Newcastle, Merino will seize the opportunity to prove why Arteta and Odegaard sought him out.
Merino’s emergence could also see Thomas Partey relegated to a bench role, given Rice’s potential shift to the base of midfield.
As Arsenal’s midfield puzzle takes shape, Merino’s influence will be pivotal in solidifying Arteta’s defense and driving the team forward.
With Odegaard’s return on the horizon, Arsenal’s midfield is poised for a transformative boost, and Merino’s impact will be crucial in the Gunners’ pursuit of success.
