Arsenal
By Martin Graham
When Mikel Merino arrived from Actual Sociedad in August 2024, the concept of him main Arsenal’s assault appeared far-fetched. The Spain worldwide, then 28, had constructed his repute as a midfielder with greater than 200 La Liga matches and a European Championship triumph, not as a finisher.
His transformation started unexpectedly in February, when he stepped off the bench towards Leicester and struck twice — the primary event in his profession he had performed on the high finish of the pitch. Since then, his affect in superior areas has grown steadily.
Merino has now produced 16 objectives throughout 63 Arsenal outings, along with his latest contribution within the 1–1 draw with Chelsea reinforcing his rising standing as a viable choice up entrance. Accidents to Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Viktor Gyokeres opened the door, however his consistency has saved it open.
In his previous 5 appearances by the middle, he has supplied three finishes and two assists, proving he can have an effect on high-pressure contests. That return locations him amongst Arsenal’s most reliable attacking retailers this yr.
Why his talent set suits Arteta’s system
Arteta has already reimagined one midfielder as a striker. Havertz, initially considered as a central participant, turned the popular ahead when accessible because of his consciousness, bodily energy, and intuition in key areas. Merino holds comparable attributes, and his aerial menace is much more pronounced.
Regardless of questions over Havertz’s pure ending, his motion made him efficient. Gyokeres was introduced in throughout July for £64m to provide Arsenal a extra orthodox scorer after producing a prolific spell in Portugal. His six objectives in 15 video games underline his capacity, however he has nonetheless confronted scrutiny over stylistic suitability.
Throughout Gyokeres’ latest absence with a hamstring setback, Merino provided a contrasting presence. Towering and clever, he typically drifts into pockets to create pathways for runners. The crew’s 22 objectives with him working up entrance spotlight how his positioning helps the collective.
5 of his eight league objectives in 2025 have been headers — probably the most within the division this yr together with Brentford’s Kevin Schade. Solely James Scowcroft has a better proportion of headed finishes amongst non-defenders with at the very least 10 top-flight objectives.
A returning squad however a real choice dilemma
Gyokeres and Jesus are actually again in rivalry, but neither is assured a right away return to the beginning XI. Gyokeres appeared from the bench at Chelsea after practically a month out, and Arteta might must construct him up progressively as he regains sharpness.
Within the meantime, Arsenal’s assault has flourished with Merino’s totally different interpretation of the position. The facet has managed 13 objectives in his previous 5 outings within the place — 11 arriving from open play — easing issues about an overreliance on set items earlier within the season.
His behavior of dropping into midfield zones has benefited these round him. Leandro Trossard’s strike within the 4–1 derby win at Tottenham was a product of that motion, and Eberechi Eze has loved a spirited run, highlighted by a hat-trick in the identical fixture.
Merino’s repute for tactical maturity has helped him adapt rapidly, and he has grow to be a part of the dressing-room management. He attributes his progress to finding out teammates and different forwards, in search of recommendation on motion and positioning. His header at Stamford Bridge was his twentieth purpose of 2025 for membership and nation, with Arteta praising his sense for hazard.
With Brentford visiting Emirates Stadium on Wednesday and a busy festive stretch forward, the query now’s whether or not Merino’s position is shifting from stopgap to long-term choice.
