Mikel Merino became an Arsenal player in the summer transfer window in 2024 when he arrived from Real Sociedad in Spain. When the experienced central midfielder transferred to Arsenal, he had no idea that he would play almost half of his first season in north London at the tip of the attack. In his defence, probably no one knew, not even himself. Mikel Arteta. And that he didn't do a bad job at all, but I'll get to that. Merino is the prototype of a central midfielder who is most useful to the team at the position of a classic eight or six. He's strong on the ball, calm on the ball and hard-working defensively. These were the positions Mikel Merino played in after his arrival at Arsenal. But then, gradually, injuries came Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz and Arsenal were suddenly without a typical spike striker. Thanks to his decent physical parameters and game intelligence, the choice in the search for a temporary solution at the tip of the attack fell on Mikel Merino. The Spanish international did very well in an unusual position for him. He even scored some important goals, showing everyone that his qualities are not only in construction and defensive work.
Basic information
| Full name | Mikel Merino Zazón |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Date of birth | 22. 6. 1996 |
| Preferred leg | Left |
| Jersey number | 23 |
| At Arsenal since | 27. 8. 2024 |
| Contract to | 30. 6. 2028 |
| Health status | foot injury |
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Editor, administrator and editor of the True Gunner Diary website, but above all a devoted Arsenal fan. I started with sports articles at the Tipsport bookmaker, where I have published more than 100 blogs. If you want to know more about me, check out the section of the same name here on the site.