✍️ OFFICIAL Mikel Merino

[El Realista]

Merino might not be the marque name that everyone is looking for, but I think it should be pretty obvious how he fits into our side. Ever since we've started playing with an inverted fullback, the B2B, or 8 position, has kind of been an issue for us.

Converting Xhaka to that position worked great, but I don't think anyone had any faith in that plan succeeding prior to it working. Last season, Arteta attempted to convert Havertz to that position and it didn't work. After that we had Rice play that position, but I don't that that's his long term position for us. We need a player who is a specialist at this role and Merino is clearly exactly that. And he fits the profile that Arteta seems to be looking for.

Arteta wants his 8s to be big enough that they can win the physical battles and dominate in the air. They also have to have the technical ability to contribute to the attack, and need to be able to attack space in the final third. Merino obviously has all of these attributes.

Also, from watching Zubimendi's performance in the final, I think it becomes even more obvious why we would want Merino. Merino is Zubimendi's partner in midfield at Real Sociedad, and Zubimendi carries the ball much further into the attack than Rodri. Zubimendi dribbles similarly to Rice, so Zubimendi needs a partner who can cover for him when he surges into attack. Rice also needs this type of partner.

Merino isn't a big name player, but a lot of our big name players weren't big names when we signed them.

Then the problem is Rice because Zubimendi is better progressing the ball from deep. So in order to cover his huge liability which a lot of us said before signing him we need a WC partnership that is capable of distributing the ball while doing what you said Arteta wants.

For me Arteta is so obsessed with his NBA football winning duels that I disagree that we need someone huge. I think Rice is better playing there and more technical midfielder is needed to win against low block teams. This is something Pep understands when he plays Bernardo in that role.

In other words this is so defensive, and we will see same problems England had during the whole tournament, solid defensively but struggling to create enough chances for our non prolific strikers.

 

[Taurul]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1813123482533679438

 

[Sapient Hawk]

I agree, we have a window of opportunity to win the PL and then build from a position of strength or we’ll end up as another Pochettino Sp**s type nearly team.

Sadly, this is how I see it ending for us.

Until we got a "proper" manager, we'll always be a nearly team.

 

[SupersoakerArsene]

Would much rather sign Fabian Ruiz but can't see him go after this Euros.
Merino is a cheap option for me. Like the guy. Tall guy good headers, makes good runs & wins a lot of duels.

Rice - Merino with Ødegaard more infront of them, would be lovely.
But we NEED a great winger. Nico Williams would be a dream, but think he is Barca's kid since he loves Yamal.

 

[Sebastes]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1813123482533679438

Teta top target confirmed

 

[Sanchez11]

Problem is i reckon Partey is staying, so were going for cheaper option.

 

[Goonger]

Problem is i reckon Partey is staying, so were going for cheaper option.

Even if he is, i don't have a problem with it in terms of squad building. Rice, Merino, Partey & Jorginho are a very good set of senior midfielders for the here and now.

Even if we don't sign another midfielder this summer, it's 99% certain that both Jorginho & Partey leave next summer, so we'll be in the market for at least 1 more midfielder then, if not 2 (might depend on what happens with Lewis-Skelly). We'll need the experience of Merino then even more.

 

[Sebastes]

Problem is i reckon Partey is staying, so were going for cheaper option.

I’d say if Partey’s staying, which I also believe he is, then we should go for a more unproven player in addition to an experienced player. That player can be a cheaper one, or a Joao Neves, but the sentiment would be that with Jorginho and Partey around there’s a lot to learn and soak up.

 

[Taurul]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1813187247576961062

 

[HagnSprayGooners]

Does it really make sense for Barca to sign him? Also they’re certainly not signing Nico and Merino for £70M…

 

[GoonerJeeves]

Also he's 28 which basically means he's retiring soon according to Arsenalmania.

AM equivalent age of 49.

 

[Rasmi]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1813187247576961062

Conor Gallagher it is then

 

[OnlyOne]

Mehrino.

 

[Rex Stone]

Does it really make sense for Barca to sign him? Also they’re certainly not signing Nico and Merino for £70M…

They need to rest Gavi and Pedri.

They lucked into Iniesta and Xavi regens but they’re speedrunning a career in wheelchair football at this rate.

 

[OnlyOne]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1813190891965726798

 

[HagnSprayGooners]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1813190891965726798

These Spaniards would definitely much rather go to !Barca etc then move to the premier league. Especially ones who are settled with families.

 

[A_G]

A threadmark with no source? #EduOut

 

[OnlyOne]

Just buy De Jong

 

[OnlyOne]

A threadmark with no source? #EduOut

There is a source

 

[Dokaka]

They need to rest Gavi and Pedri.

They lucked into Iniesta and Xavi regens but they’re speedrunning a career in wheelchair football at this rate.

Resting Gavi and Pedri to play Merino.

Like handing your phone in for repair and getting this as a temp phone: