A player who tended to go somewhat under the radar at Arsenal, many are quickly realising how good a footballer the Gunners have in Mikel Merino.
Capable of playing in midfield but also as a striker, Merino’s influence in the final third could be the key to Arsenal enjoying potential domestic and European success this season.
Merino Making the Most of His Second Premier League Shot
There have been a number of players who have struggled in their first spell in the Premier League but have gone on to do great things. Arsenal, who have started the season so positively and are often favourites in bets on football matches this term, did not let Merino’s underwhelming time at Newcastle United deter them from signing the Spaniard in August 2024. The Gunners, who are 4/9 in the Premier League 2025/26 odds to win the title, are being richly rewarded for their decision to give Merino a second shot in the English top flight. Already off the mark this season with a goal in the league against his former club Newcastle, the 29-year-old continues to have an impact in the final third.
Merino has also had the opportunity to play alongside his former Real Sociedad teammate Martín Zubimendi this season under manager Mikel Arteta. The Spanish influence has been growing in the squad at the Emirates in recent years and has been working to great effect for the north London outfit. Sitting six points clear at the top of the Premier League standings after the first 10 games of the season, Merino and the rest of the Arsenal squad have enjoyed a solid start to what will be a long campaign.
Merino Showing a Clinical Edge
Most known for his role as a central midfielder, Merino continues to show he has more strings to his bow following his brace of goals away at Slavia Prague in the Champions League. Bagging two second-half goals in Czechia, it was an impressive display from Merino in a striker’s role. Covering for the unavailable Viktor Gyökeres, the Spain international proved he can be more than suitable cover if the Sweden striker is missing for the Gunners.
Injuries have and will happen over the course of the season and having versatile players who can cover positions is key. Arteta had the vision to see how good Merino can be in the central attacking role and performances like the one in Prague showed just that. Considering some of the fees that players go for across Europe, the reported £31.6million paid for Merino is looking like a real bargain for the Gunners. Clearly, a smart footballer and also a fierce competitor who can add even more leadership to the group, it’s little wonder why so many in the English game are starting to take note of this player.
Much like the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah, Merino has taken his second opportunity in the Premier League with both hands and can be Arsenal’s secret weapon this season.