After seeing Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino shine for Spain at Euro 2024, reports suggest that Arsenal is considering a move for him.
In order to give their midfield line more depth and variety for the forthcoming season, the Gunners are searching for a new midfield player.
Mikel Arteta is still looking for a midfield player, and he thinks a diligent player like Merino can be a great fit for his system, even though they were unable to sell Thomas Partey.
Merino is a technically proficient and dynamic midfield player who can win duels and move the ball around with ease. Throughout his 45 appearances for Sociedad last season, he contributed five assists and eight goals.
The 28-year-old midfielder is a flexible player. Although he is a versatile midfielder, he is most effective when playing at no. 8 or no. 10. This is how he can work with Arsenal’s setup.
Option 1: As no.8
Merino should play as a no. 8 in the middle of the midfield. Should he join Arsenal, it could imply that he will play behind Maritn Odegaard and slightly ahead of Declan Rice in the midfield trio.
With his ability to pass the ball well and his physicality in winning crucial duels, Merino can help Arsenal better control games. Additionally, he can give Odegaard more leeway to take chances and score more goals by either creating them or finishing them.
Option 2: Martin Odegaard back-up
The 28-year-old midfielder can easily fill in at attacking midfield and is also fairly at ease playing higher up the pitch. Merino can score goals quickly and create opportunities from advanced areas, as demonstrated by his heroics from the previous season.
He might provide Arteta with the opportunity to occasionally rest his captain by filling in for Odegaard in the no. 10 position. Declan Rice may be able to play as a no. 8, with Jorginho or Partey (assuming he plays) occupying the deeper position.
