4 midfield alternatives to Mikel Merino that Arsenal should target

All roads are leading to the Basque Country right now, yet it might still be worth looking further afield for a midfield target.  

Arsenal form one such team on that route as they have explored a move for Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino, while Liverpool are also making the trip and will soon commence talks to sign his engine-room partner Martin Zubimendi.

But fears linger that Merino would not maximise our left #8 potential and, in any case, a deal for Zubimendi could make the Spanish outfit shy about losing two key figures – from the same position – in one fell swoop.

4 alternatives to Mikel Merino that Arsenal should look at this summer

There is no need to fret, though, and here are four Merino alternatives that Arsenal might consider before the transfer window shuts.

1. Vitinha (PSG)

Quite a long shot, not least because he would be so much more expensive than Merino.

Vitinha did not pull up any trees during his last Premier League stint, making 19 tame appearances for Wolves on a 2020/21 loan spell. However, he has since established himself as a mainstay at PSG and boasts the tools to shine in our LCM role.

The 24-year-old can turn sharply, drives into open space and has the passing range to revive our dull left-hand side. He also likes to create and often crosses from the half-space, which is something that Arsenal ought to do more.

But… and there is always a ‘but’. For Vitinha, it pertains to his defensive work as he is not particularly strong with tackles, blocks or interceptions (despite working tirelessly off the ball).

His 5ft 6ins also signifies a non-existent aerial presence and, when combined with a hefty price tag, such drawbacks could be enough to scare Mikel Arteta off.   

Still, what he lacks in height is made up for in many other facets of play. Arsenal could do a lot worse.

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