By Martin Graham
when Mikel Merino arrived from Royal Society in August 2024, the idea of leading Arsenal’s The attack seemed far-fetched. The Spain international, then 28, had built his reputation as a midfielder with more than 200 league games and a European Championship triumph, not as a finalist.
His transformation began unexpectedly in February, when he came off the bench in opposition Leicester and struck out twice – the first time in his career that he had played in the upper part of the pitch. Since then, its influence in advanced areas has grown steadily.
Merino has now scored 16 goals in 63 games for Arsenal, with his recent contribution in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea reinforcing its growing status as a viable option going forward. Injuries to Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesusi Victor Gyokeres he opened the door, but his consistency has kept it open.
In his last five appearances for the centre, he has provided three finishes and two assists, showing he can affect high-pressure contests. This return makes him one of Arsenal’s most reliable points of attack this year.
Why his skill set fits Arteta’s system
Arteta has already reimagined a midfielder as a striker. Havertz, initially regarded as a central player, became the preferred striker when available thanks to his awareness, physicality and instinct in key areas. Merino has similar attributes, and his aerial threat is even more pronounced.
Despite questions about Havertz’s natural finish, his movement made him effective. Gyokeres was brought in for £64m in July to give Arsenal a more orthodox goalscorer after producing a prolific spell in Portugal. His six goals in 15 games underline his ability, but he has yet to face scrutiny for his stylistic suitability.
During Gyokeres’ recent absence with a hamstring setback, Merino provided a contrasting presence. Tall and smart, he often moves into pockets to create lanes for running backs. The team’s 22 goals with him operating up front highlight how his positioning helps the team.
Five of his eight league goals in 2025 have been headers, the most in the division this year alongside Brentford’s Kevin Schade. Only James Scowcroft has a higher proportion of headers among non-defenders with at least 10 top-flight goals.
A returning team but a real selection dilemma
Gyokeres and Jesús are back in contention, but neither is guaranteed an immediate return to the starting eleven. Gyokeres came off the bench for Chelsea after nearly a month out, and Arteta may have to gradually improve him as he regains his sharpness.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s attack has flourished with Merino’s different interpretation of the role. The team has managed 13 goals in its last five outings in the position, 11 coming from open play, to ease concerns about an over-reliance on set pieces early in the season.
His habit of dropping into midfield areas has benefited those around him. Leandro Trossard’s strike in the 4-1 derby win at Tottenham was a product of that move, and Eberechi Eze has enjoyed a spirited run, highlighted by a hat-trick in the same game.
Merino’s reputation for tactical maturity has helped him adapt quickly and become part of the leadership of the dressing room. He attributes his progress to studying teammates and other forwards, seeking advice on movement and positioning. His header at Stamford Bridge was his 20th goal of 2025 for club and country, with Arteta praising his sense of danger.
with Brentford visiting the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday and a hectic festive stretch ahead, the question now is whether Merino’s role is changing from an interim option to a long-term option.
