Arsenal lineup with Mikel Merino shows why Mikel Arteta wants transfer

In case you missed it, the latest player to be linked with Arsenal is Mikel Merino. While the transfer interest is still in its early stages, the Spanish midfielder runs out of contract in 2025, meaning Mikel Arteta could secure him for a cheaper fee than he is fairly valued.

Mikel Merino would certainly benefit Arsenal. He is a physical player who holds his own in midfield duels. While he doesn't come across as the most brute midfielder, the Spanish Liga has hardened him up and he won't be shy to get involved in the trademark Premier League rough-and-tough.

With that being said, how could Arsenal lineup with Mikel Merino? Well, taking a look at it will reveal the exact reason why Mikel Arteta dreams of the transfer...

The potential Arsenal lineup with Mikel Merino transfer in mind

Goalkeeper and Defence

David Raya will continue as the number one goalkeeper choice for the 2024/25 season. Given that he only won the EURO 2024 with Mikel Merino at the weekend, he will gladly facilitate the welcome party for his countryman.

Covering David Raya and sitting just behind a potential Mikel Merino and Declan Rice pivot will be the trademark Arsenal parternship of William Saliba and Gabriel. Given that both players returned early from their respective international duties, they will be eager to get a good start to the Premier League campaign.

Off the right will be none other than Ben White, who has made the right-back position his own since switching from centre back. On the opposing flank, there could be another new addition in Riccardo Calafiori. At this stage, Calafiori signing looks more likely than Mikel Merino, but Arsenal would gladly welcome both given their financial position.

Midfield

Last season, Declan Rice was forced to operate in the Granit Xhaka role. While this is something Declan Rice adjusted to well, there is still the feeling that he would be "unlocked" by signing a player who can relieve him of this Xhaka-onus. Therefore, Rice will return to his more comfortable holding midfield position next season, if all goes to plan.

The player who will unlock Declan Rice is Mikel Merino. The Spanish midfielder has everything it takes to play in the Xhaka role, so he would help Rice out defensively, while primarily bringing the play forward and helping to bridge the gap between midfield and attack.

Then, of course, the captain Martin Odegaard will play in the free-roaming midfield position. It is not only difficult to pin him down to one position, but detrimental to the team. His presence is appreciated everywhere, so implementing Mikel Merino will only facilitate the best of Odegaard.

Attack

In terms of the attack, there truly is no need for Arsenal to strengthen here. Mikel Arteta would like to bring in more depth, but he knows who his three starters are.

Centrally, Kai Havertz will play the strikers role. This is the position which brings the best out of him and if he continues his great form from last season, Arsenal fans will have no complaints about not bringing in a striker.

Off the right, Bukayo Saka will start. He had a bright EURO 2024 campaign with England, one of their best players. However, he will be eager to win some trophies next season, having not won any for the last two seasons.

Off the left, it is a toss up between Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. You could make a case for either player to start but at the moment, it does seem that Trossard is a bit ahead of his Brazilian counterpart.

Full Arsenal lineup: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Merino, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Trossard

What would be your Arsenal lineup with Mikel Merino?