Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Mikel Merino has played so well that he now deserves to be considered for the striker position, even when the team’s regular forwards are back from injury.
Merino, who joined from Real Sociedad in 2024, had never played as a number nine before coming to Arsenal. But he stepped in when Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were injured, scoring nine goals last season and already reaching 11 goals this season for club and country.
Arteta said Merino’s performances have shown he can be trusted up front, and he may also be used in a front line alongside Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres or Gabriel Jesus.
The Arsenal boss also said the team is still checking the fitness of Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard and William Saliba ahead of their match against Aston Villa. Rice went off late against Brentford, while Trossard and Saliba have missed the last two games.
Arteta added that this season’s injuries have taught him lessons about what can and can’t be controlled.
