After a transfer saga that dragged on seemingly all summer, regulars at Emirates Stadium are now tantalisingly close to a Mikel Merino Arsenal debut.
The Spanish international showed his quality at Euro 2024 with his stunning header against hosts Germany late in extra time.
Merino adds further silk and steel to an already strong Arsenal midfield and will likely appear against Brighton on Saturday afternoon’s early kickoff.
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Gunners’ record vs Brighton could be a challenge for Merino Arsenal debut
Brighton have made a name for themselves in recent years as a very well-run club and team, with a succession of talented players having graced the AMEX Stadium since their return to the Premier League.
Arsenal have come a cropper against the seaside club a fair few times in recent seasons. The Gunners beat Brighton home and away last season as they chased the Premier League title. But it was only the second time they’d completed a double over the Seagulls since they landed in the Premier League.
Arsenal will feel confident of beating Brighton at the Emirates Stadium, but they will be wary of their visitor’s imperious start to the season, with an impressive win over Manchester United already in the bag.
Where will Merino play for Arsenal?
Merino is a versatile midfielder, capable of playing a multitude of roles in the middle of the park.
But for Arsenal, he will likely appear as a left-sided central midfielder. The Spaniard has a tremendous engine, and a box-to-box role makes the best use of this and his well-rounded midfield profile.
Merino’s arrival could also see Declan Rice return to the number six role after an extended period playing higher up the pitch. This could mean that Thomas Partey drops to the bench.
Though Merino will likely not start against Brighton, we will almost certainly see him make his bow in the role Arsenal fans hope he will make his own from the bench.
Merino Arsenal debut: How important is a quick start?
Despite being a 28-year-old in his prime years, a super quick start is not absolutely necessary for Merino at Arsenal.
Though there has been clamour for more incomings at Arsenal, supporters and rivals alike would do well to look at the annual table for 2024 so far. This calendar year, Arsenal have the most points per game, have scored the most goals and conceded the fewest.
Throughout that time, the Gunners have largely played Jorginho or Partey deep, with Rice in more advanced roles, an extremely accomplished midfield trio.
Merino will be keen to prove his worth and win a place in the starting eleven quickly, but Mikel Arteta has time to ease him into his new surroundings. The Arsenal boss has taken a similar approach with fellow summer signing Riccardo Calafiori.
