How Arsenal will line up with Mikel Merino

Cameron Smith

Updated: 27 Aug 2024 10:29 CDT
4 min read

Arsenal have completed the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino for a reported fee of €32 million rising to €37m.

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The Spain international has penned a four-year deal at the Emirates as exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers, and there is an option to extend his contract for another 12 months.

The 28-year-old becomes Arsenal’s third major signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrivals of David Raya from Brentford and Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.

Young goalkeeper Tommy Setford has also joined the north London club, from Ajax, although he will originally be placed in Arsenal’s academy set-up.

As for Merino, he will immediately become a key player under Mikel Arteta. The Gunners boss has reportedly pushed to sign his compatriot and it’s easy to see why.

The ex-Sociedad star is a beast in the air, composed in possession and has a goal or two in his locker. He’s arguably the perfect midfielder to play in Arteta’s current system, which has been tailored towards maximum efficiency over the past two years.

But, where will Merino fit in at the Emirates Stadium?

How will Arsenal line up with Mikel Merino?

The aforementioned Raya will remain Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper, with Aaron Ramsdale either set to leave or spend another campaign on the bench.

The back four will consist of Benjamin White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Calafiori, although Jurrien Timber will also play a prevalent role.

© IMAGO - Riccardo Calafiori has joined Arsenal from Bologna

In addition, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior, if he stays, will also be rewarded with minutes.

Declan Rice will be deployed back in a more defensive midfield role, having enjoyed a more advanced number eight role during the final few months of last season. Merino will take that left-side midfield spot, while Martin Odegaard will provide creativity from the right.

Bukayo Saka is a nailed-on starter on the right flank and Gabriel Martinelli could edge out Leandro Trossard for a starting berth on the left.

Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus will compete for the number nine position, although the former is likely to start the campaign as first choice.