He will “START against Bournemouth” – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is prepared to introduce a “big threat” against Bournemouth this weekend as the player has quickly returned from injury and is now confirmed as match fit—not Martinelli or Saka.
Mikel Merino is aiming for his first start with Arsenal as Arteta gets ready to unleash a “big threat” during a critical stretch of matches.
The Spain midfielder is eager to make his full debut and strengthen the Gunners ahead of important fixtures.
Given Arsenal’s injury woes this season, Arteta could have understandably wished that none of his players went on international duty this month.
Arsenal recently lost Martin Odegaard to an ankle injury while playing for Norway, and last week, both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli suffered muscle injuries while representing their countries.
However, in the case of Mikel Merino, Arteta likely welcomed the midfielder’s recent time with the Spanish national team.
Since joining Arsenal from Real Sociedad for over £30 million in August, Merino has faced challenges, including a shoulder injury that delayed his debut until earlier this month.
He came off the bench twice for Arsenal before the international break, and his two games with Spain provided him valuable minutes.
He played 28 minutes in Spain’s 1-0 win over Denmark and then started and completed over an hour in their 3-0 victory against Serbia.
After his first start for Spain this season, Merino is looking for a full debut with Arsenal this weekend against Bournemouth.
Gunners fans have seen flashes of Merino’s capabilities in his limited appearances, and Arteta is eager about his potential impact.
“He is going to bring an unbelievable football brain,” Arteta remarked. “He is very intelligent in his decision-making, spatial awareness, and overall decisions, which is quite rare.
“He is a talented player in all phases—both defensively and offensively. He can contribute in ways that complement the qualities we have in midfield.
“He will certainly add physicality and is a significant threat. When he is in the opponent’s box, it’s clear he is a big, big threat.”
Arsenal have yet to experience Merino’s box presence, showcased during Euro 2024 with his winning goal for Spain against Germany in the quarter-finals, but his physicality has been evident.
Standing at 6ft 2in, Merino adds height to Arteta’s squad and has shown dominance in his two substitute appearances for Arsenal.
Despite only playing 26 minutes on his debut against Paris Saint-Germain, he was the second-highest player in tackles won, surpassed only by Riccardo Calafiori. The same trend continued in his 29 minutes against Southampton, where Thomas Partey edged him out.
Merino also ranked second in interceptions during Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Southampton and was joint top for blocks.
Under Arteta, Arsenal have become the best defense in Europe, and early indications suggest Merino will enhance that reputation.
His presence could also influence Declan Rice’s positioning. Rice has been utilized on the left of a midfield trio since the start of the year, a position Merino is likely to claim.
This shift would allow Rice to move to the base of midfield, the role he was expected to play upon joining Arsenal last year, potentially pushing Partey out of the lineup.
With Rice in the No. 6 position, Arsenal’s defense would gain additional protection and their midfield would become more dynamic.
Partey’s performance has varied this season, particularly in the latter stages of matches, making it prudent to consider him as a substitute.
The final piece of the midfield puzzle is Odegaard, but Arteta will need to wait to pair him with Merino.
The Norwegian is still recovering his full fitness; however, once he returns, he should quickly regain his rhythm.
Odegaard, who knows Merino from their time at Sociedad, encouraged him to join Arsenal this summer.
As a busy schedule approaches, featuring matches against Chelsea, Liverpool, and Newcastle, Merino aims to prove why Odegaard and Arteta wanted him at Arsenal.