After a seismic summer which saw the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke arrive at Arsenal, it's fair to say that it has been Mikel Arteta's old reliables doing the business so far this season.
With that trio all enduring mixed starts to life at the Emirates, scoring just nine Premier League goals between them, the onus has been on those already at the club to deliver the goods.
Merino-Arsenal
Indeed, two of the Gunners' emerging cult heroes have been particularly influential, with Leandro Trossard racking up his ninth league goal involvement against Aston Villa last time out, while Mikel Merino has scored five times himself in all competitions so far.
Whether it is as an auxiliary striker or in his usual midfield berth, Merino has largely been something of a revelation in north London, having already scored 14 times in 67 games, after netting 27 times in total in 242 outings for former club Real Sociedad.
In an era of youthful, long-term signings, the Spaniard has proven the benefit of acquiring ready-made additions, with that trend perhaps set to be repeated in 2026.
Arsenal holding talks over another midfield signing
Led by Andrea Berta, there appears to be something of a win-now policy developing at Arsenal, with new arrivals Gyokeres and Eze both 27, while Martin Zubimendi turns 27 early next month.
Arsenal 2025 summer window (timeless)
While London rivals Chelsea continue to seek out a raft of under-23 signings, the Gunners are reaping the rewards of their slightly more short-term thinking, with last summer's acquisition of a now 29-year-old Merino the obvious case in point.
Although not deemed a glamour signing at the time, the towering left-footer has proven to be such a valuable, versatile asset, with Berta seemingly targeting a similar figure if reports are to be believed.
According to Caught Offside, Arsenal are among the clubs interested in Bayern Munich powerhouse, Leon Goretzka, with the likes of Manchester United, Spurs and Juventus also in the mix.
As per the report, there is the suggestion that talks have already been held with the Premier League trio, in particular, with the piece outlining that the German's representatives have made contact with those three clubs.
The report does add, however, that while both United and Arsenal are likely to be more inclined to move in the summer, with the 30-year-old out of contract in June, rivals Spurs could look to strike in the winter window.
Why Goretzka could be Arteta's new Merino
Arteta's set-piece kings have formed a fearsome unit across recent windows, echoing the early Arsene Wenger era with a string of towering, intimidating operators all across the park, be it Gabriel at one end, or Gyokeres at the other.
Merino, at 6 foot 2, has added further physicality in the centre, alongside the far more slight Martin Odegaard, with Arteta having praised the £30m for being a "big, big threat" earlier this season.
While a bargain deal for soon-to-be free agent Goretzka would be unlikely to end in the Champions League winner operating as a makeshift centre-forward, the 6 foot 2 monster could also be a similar box-crashing threat from an advanced midfield role.
Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Harry Kane and Serge Gnabry-1
Described as a "machine" by ex-teammate Sami Khedira - who also praised his compatriot for working "like a madman" to regain his place back at Bayern - Goretzka has been something of an unsung hero at the Allianz Arena for over half a decade now, recording 49 goals and 48 assists in 310 games across all fronts.
That return, like Merino, has also come with the bulky midfielder showcasing a versatility to feature in a variety of positions, having operated on either flank, as well as even in a full-back or centre-back berth on occasion.
Goretzka - Bayern Bundesliga record
Season
25/26
24/25
23/24
22/23
21/22
20/21
19/20
18/19
Total
Stats via Transfermarkt
For a squad competing across four fronts, such flexibility is a real asset, with Goretzka surely the type of figure that Arteta would relish the chance to work with and repurpose for his own demands.
Like Merino, it is the 67-cap German star's physical prowess that is the main attraction, having ranked in the top 12% of midfielders in Europe's top five leagues for aerial duels won per 90, as per FBref, just behind the Arsenal man who ranks in the top 2%.
Again, like Merino, however, who ranks in the 6% for assists per 90, there is also a creative quality to be admired with regard to Goretzka, with one-time Schalke man ranking in the top 6% for progressive passes and the top 15% for progressive carries.
A pass is considered progressive if the distance between the starting point and the next touch is at least 10 meters closer to the opponent's goal or any completed pass into the penalty area.
The all-round midfield asset in many ways, the experienced talent could well prove to be Arteta's next Merino-style addition, should Berta manage to win the race for his signature - be it this month or over the summer.
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