✍️ OFFICIAL Mikel Merino

[ash_rasul]

Merino is happy to come and receive the ball on the half turn, is press resistant and constantly looks for a forward pass. So he'll be much more suitable. Havertz clearly wasn't comfortable in the role.

Also we're becoming a really tall team now. Another 6'2 player to add to Saliba, Gabriel, Havertz and then there's our new Italian

Also being able to position yourself on the pitch/between the lines to be able to receive the ball consistently is far from a given, and something Havertz seemed to struggle with especially. Large parts of the game would completely bypass him with him in MF. Indications are that Merino will thrive in those areas, in comparison.

 

[Yousif Arsenal]

Merino is happy to come and receive the ball on the half turn, is press resistant and constantly looks for a forward pass. So he'll be much more suitable. Havertz clearly wasn't comfortable in the role.

Also we're becoming a really tall team now. Another 6'2 player to add to Saliba, Gabriel, Havertz and then there's our new Italian

Yes our height average is around 6'2 pretty tall and physical team plus all very good with ball in thier feet perfect mix

 

[razörist]

Yes our height average is around 6'2 pretty tall and physical team plus all very good with ball in thier feet perfect mix

Soon Mikel is going to make them crouch down in his team talks.

Seriously fair play to Mikel for all his shortcomings as a player in his later years, he knows so well what a premier league midfielders needs to be.

 

[Bloodbather]

Soon Mikel is going to make them crouch down in his team talks.

Seriously fair play to Mikel for all his shortcomings as a player in his later years, he knows so well what a premier league midfielders needs to be.

Yeah, it's one of the things I appreciate about him. I was pushing for the angle that we should look for physicality as the thing that can give us an edge over City in the long run. His recruitment has definitely followed this strategy.

It's really the thing that keeps us from being a copycat of City.

 

[HagnSprayGooners]

He gives me duel for the manager vibes. He’ll do whatever he’s told, not a maverick but an important cog.

Now we need to get the maverick.

 

[HagnSprayGooners]

Fun fact; this guy and Nico Williams were both born in Pamplona. Both were also born an hour away from Arteta.

Oh and guess what? Zubimendi was born in the same place as Arteta (San Sebastian)

This signing isn’t just a good one because of the player. It’s bloody clever as well. All players we are wanting are basque. Zubimendi hasn’t wanted to leave but I think having Merino here could be a huge factor in tempting him.

 

[HomeSteak]

Fun fact; this guy and Nico Williams were both born in Pamplona. Both were also born an hour away from Arteta.

Oh and guess what? Zubimendi was born in the same place as Arteta (San Sebastian)

This signing isn’t just a good one because of the player. It’s bloody clever as well. All players we are wanting are basque. Zubimendi hasn’t wanted to leave but I think having Merino here could be a huge factor in tempting him.

this is why I hate this place so much

 

[2Smokeyy]

Wait, do you mean he got below 7 in the games vs PSG?

The first leg he was below 7 and the second he had 8.13. Probably fair as from what I remember from the second leg was a bit more balanced with PSG scoring on the run of play.

 

[HagnSprayGooners]

this is why I hate this place so much

Bella ciao Bella ciao Bella ciao ciao ciao, Mikel merino, he sacked off Barca, to join the mighty Arsenal.

 

[HomeSteak]

Bella ciao Bella ciao Bella ciao ciao ciao, Mikel merino, he sacked off Barca, to join the mighty Arsenal.

they are doing wonderful things at mental institutions these days. I'd be happy to set-up a meet and greet.

 

[HagnSprayGooners]

they are doing wonderful things at mental institutions these days. I'd be happy to set-up a meet and greet.

They say don’t meet your heroes.

 

[MauveGunner]

Fun fact; this guy and Nico Williams were both born in Pamplona. Both were also born an hour away from Arteta.

Oh and guess what? Zubimendi was born in the same place as Arteta (San Sebastian)

This signing isn’t just a good one because of the player. It’s bloody clever as well. All players we are wanting are basque. Zubimendi hasn’t wanted to leave but I think having Merino here could be a huge factor in tempting him.

 

[Farzad]

Still shocked that the people of the beautiful town of San Sebastián would do us and football dirty like that. Maybe Merino at a bargain is a little reparations for Mik’s coaching

 

[BBF]

Probably why Arteta likes him so much. Lego man hair always.

Do they only have one barber in San Sebastian? What's happening

 

[Bloodbather]

Fun fact; this guy and Nico Williams were both born in Pamplona. Both were also born an hour away from Arteta.

Oh and guess what? Zubimendi was born in the same place as Arteta (San Sebastian)

This signing isn’t just a good one because of the player. It’s bloody clever as well. All players we are wanting are basque. Zubimendi hasn’t wanted to leave but I think having Merino here could be a huge factor in tempting him.

Reaching hard there mate.

 

[Red London]

Do they only have one barber in San Sebastian? What's happening

It’s called Lego Cutz.

 

[Red London]

Fun fact; this guy and Nico Williams were both born in Pamplona. Both were also born an hour away from Arteta.

Oh and guess what? Zubimendi was born in the same place as Arteta (San Sebastian)

This signing isn’t just a good one because of the player. It’s bloody clever as well. All players we are wanting are basque. Zubimendi hasn’t wanted to leave but I think having Merino here could be a huge factor in tempting him.

 

[elvelux]

Fun fact; this guy and Nico Williams were both born in Pamplona. Both were also born an hour away from Arteta.

Oh and guess what? Zubimendi was born in the same place as Arteta (San Sebastian)

This signing isn’t just a good one because of the player. It’s bloody clever as well. All players we are wanting are basque. Zubimendi hasn’t wanted to leave but I think having Merino here could be a huge factor in tempting him.

Yeah.

But also Emery in Aston Villa, Xabi Alonso in Leverkusen, Lopetegui in West Ham, Iraola in Bournemouth and many more in Spain.

Indeed, I think there are is the same number of basque managers in PL than english managers.

 

[Farzad]

Yeah.

But also Emery in Aston Villa, Xabi Alonso in Leverkusen, Lopetegui in West Ham, Iraola in Bournemouth and many more in Spain.

Indeed, I think there are is the same number of basque managers in PL than english managers.

We hired the dumbest one, figures. It’s like hiring the Jackson 5 and Michael doesn’t show up only Tito.

 

[Big Poppa]

Something people may be overlooking here are the personal characteristics of the player. He's a mature and vocal presence on the pitch. He speaks excellent English and has played abroad in other leagues. We're getting not just a good player but a strong personality with excellent leadership qualities.