Why do Arsenal ACTUALLY want Mikel Merino?

Mikel Merino and Arsenal. A match not touted by many at the start of the summer transfer window, but one that looks increasingly more likely by the day. So, I made it my mission to scour through hours of Merino footage and come up with a complete scouting report on the Spaniard, looking at his profile, his tactical fit and usage by Mikel Arteta, and giving my own opinion on the signing in an in-depth tactical analysis.

Arsenal defeated Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen 4-1 earlier today at the Emirates stadium.

One of Merino's most interesting aspects is how his temperament differs on the ball the further up the pitch he moves. He is obviously a duelling-phenom, and we cover the out of possession side in depth, as well as his goal scoring potential and relationship on the left-hand-side for the Gunners. AFC look to be trying to sign Merino for a fee around £25million, as Arteta looks to strengthen his midfield.

Mikel Merino has played for Real Sociedad in La Liga for 6 years, and this summer has also been linked with Hansi Flick and his FC Barcelona team. Previously he played for Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund.

Arsenal continue their pre-season preparations for the 2024/24 Premier League season with a game at the Emirates Stadium against Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen, with Oleksadr Zinchenko and Leandro Trossard scoring as this video is being uploaded! Kai Havertz also provided two assists. Granit Xhaka is also returning to the Emirates.

Some of the questions answered in this video involve how Mikel Merino interacts with the likes of Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Riccardo Calafiori, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Jurrien Timber, Jorginho, and many more!

David Raya, William Saliba, Declan Rice, and Aaron Ramsdale have all now returned to pre-season training after their extended breaks after the EUROS.

Other transfers Arsenal have been linked with is Joao Neves, Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokores, Victor Osimhen, Bruno Guimaraes, Fabian Ruiz, Pedro Neto, Nico Williams, and more. Which other signings do they need to propel them to the Premier League title?

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