As Arsenal prepares for a crucial quarter-final clash against Real Madrid, star midfielder Mikel Merino has opened up about his transformative experience at the Emirates Stadium under manager Mikel Arteta. With the Gunners' season hinging on this double-header against the Spanish giants, Merino is set to play a pivotal role, leading the Arsenal attack from a central position.
Arteta recently opted to rest key players Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka during Arsenal's 1-1 draw against Everton in the Premier League, a decision that has left the team with limited attacking options. With Raheem Sterling suspended, Merino is expected to step up alongside Saka and either Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard, with Odegaard returning to midfield.
Having made the switch to Arsenal from Real Sociedad last summer, Merino has quickly become an integral part of the squad. Reflecting on his time at the club, he stated, "It’s been a nice year here at Arsenal. I’m seeing things I’ve never worked on before in my career, and it’s helping me to learn about football and grow," according to reports from Mundo Deportivo.
Merino has been particularly impressed with Arteta's coaching style, noting, "Arteta is a very complete coach. He’s taken the best from Pep Guardiola, and you can see that period he had with him here in practice at Arsenal every day." He emphasized the team's ambition, saying, "The idea is for us to be a dominant team, that carries the weight of the game, and doesn’t let the opponent have the upper hand." Merino believes that Arteta is among the best coaches in the world.
In a recent interview, Merino expressed the club's mentality, emphasizing that Arsenal does not settle for second place. "As for me, this is the first time I've been in an environment where the desire to win trophies is so clear from the very beginning, and it's openly discussed. It also speaks volumes about our mentality," he explained. "Our goal isn't to finish second, and we don't settle for second place two seasons in a row. Here, the aim is to strive for titles, which I think is very positive. It means pushing yourself, not just doing well, but pushing forward, and often using disappointments as fuel."
Despite Arsenal's recent struggles, including a likely third consecutive second-place finish in the Premier League, Merino remains optimistic about the team's prospects. Currently trailing league leaders Liverpool by 11 points with only seven games left, the Gunners still have a shot at their first-ever Champions League title. However, the path is fraught with challenges, starting with the daunting task of overcoming Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.
Merino's versatility has been a significant asset for Arsenal this season, with the midfielder stepping up as a makeshift striker amidst a series of injuries plaguing the squad. He has scored four goals in his last seven Premier League appearances, showcasing a strike rate that would make many natural forwards proud. In fact, he has netted six times this season, proving his worth in front of goal.
His performance against Everton was particularly noteworthy, as he won more duels than any other player in the big five European leagues during the 2023/24 season, according to Opta's data. Against Everton, he won more tackles than any of his teammates and was instrumental defensively, winning 15 duels—the most of any Arsenal player in nine seasons.
With the summer transfer window approaching, Arsenal's need for a new midfielder has been a topic of discussion. The Gunners have been linked to Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, who has a £51 million release clause. However, Merino's impressive performances have led some to believe that Arsenal might not need to splash the cash on a new midfielder after all.
Sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly accelerating talks to bring Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres to London for around £62 million, while Arteta is also a fan of Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak. The club's strong financial position means that they could bring in a top-class striker, which has been a priority for supporters frustrated by the team's goal-scoring issues.
As the Gunners gear up for their Champions League clash, Merino's contributions will be crucial. If Arsenal can overcome Real Madrid, they could face a semi-final showdown with PSG, who recently outplayed Liverpool over two legs. A potential final against European powerhouses like Barcelona or Bayern Munich could also be on the horizon.
Merino's journey at Arsenal has been marked by growth, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to winning. With the support of Arteta and a squad that shares his ambition, he believes that the club is on the brink of achieving its goals. As he aptly put it, "The more we try, the closer we’ll get; hopefully, it’ll be this year."
