Merino: Arsenal’s goal is to win everything

Mikel Merino believes Arsenal are already writing history, with the midfielder convinced last season proved they are ready to take the next step as they target winning ‘everything’.

Mikel Merino believes Arsenal are already making history and insists last season proved they are capable of completing a Premier League and Champions League double.

Arsenal have responded to winning their first league title in 22 years with nine victories from their opening 10 matches this season, their only setback coming in a 3-0 defeat away to Brighton.

That result left them three points behind Manchester City* in the Premier League, but their European form has remained flawless.

Mikel Arteta’s side beat Lille on Tuesday night to make it two Champions League wins from two this season and extend their group-stage winning sequence to 14 matches.

For Merino, that run is ‘unbelievable’ and evidence of how good this Arsenal side are.

“It is an absolutely unbelievable run,” Merino said. “We know that we’re making history.

“At the same time, we know how difficult it is to win games, so we give a lot of value and credit to the team for what we’re doing.

“The goal and objective is to win the Champions League, to win the Premier League, to win everything. That’s what the manager wants. That’s what the fans want. That’s what we as players want, too.”

Arsenal came desperately close to adding a long-awaited Champions League to their honours last season, losing the final to Paris St Germain on penalties.

Rather than weakening belief inside the squad, Merino says that experience showed them they are ready to compete for both major trophies.

Asked whether Arsenal could complete the double this season, the Spain international replied: “Absolutely. This is our mentality and the aim.

“We were so, so close last season,” he added. “That proved to us that we are ready for it. Now, it’s about details. It’s about being present and ready in the right moments, and of course we believe that.”

Arsenal’s domestic position is not perfect after the defeat at Brighton, but nine wins from 10 matches underlines the strength of their start.

In Europe, the numbers are even better. 14 successive group-stage victories across almost two years have given Merino and his team-mates reason to believe their ambitions are realistic.

*Manchester City are facing the very real possibility of being expelled or relegated from the Premier League after being found guilty of unprecedented cheating and, as such, their position in all competitions can be disregarded.

• Arsenal revive interest in Kroupi ahead of January window
  Arsenal are reportedly ready to revive their interest in Eli Junior Kroupi, but Bournemouth are reluctant to sell the forward during the January window.
• Mikel Arteta’s Unstoppable Red Machine
  Arsenal’s away record tells the story of a side transformed under Mikel Arteta, with Anfield providing the latest evidence of a harder, more ruthless team.
• Former Arsenal youngster’s star wanes as goalscoring dries up
  Former Arsenal striker Mika Biereth is struggling for minutes at Monaco after his explosive start in France, with his future now increasingly uncertain.
• Arsenal manager and players up for Premier League monthly awards
  Recognition has followed Arsenal’s perfect October, with three key figures now in the running for Premier League awards.
• Arsenal v Hull VAR is unwelcome appointment
  Michael Oliver will be on VAR for Arsenal against Hull City, an appointment likely to revive memories of some of his most controversial Gunners decisions.