Mikel Merino believes Arsenal “probably” have the best midfield in football following the £75 million arrival of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United.
The Brazil international completed his move to the Premier League champions last week after Arsenal agreed a deal with Newcastle, adding another high-profile option to Mikel Arteta’s already impressive midfield group.
Guimaraes made his first appearance for Arsenal in Wednesday’s 1-1 pre-season draw with Como at the Emirates Stadium. The 28-year-old came on at half-time before helping the Gunners secure a 4-3 victory on penalties.
Speaking after Guimaraes’ debut, Merino praised the midfielder’s quality and suggested Arsenal now possess an exceptional collection of talent in the centre of the pitch.
The Spain international is competing for places alongside captain Martin Odegaard, England internationals Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze, World Cup winner Martin Zubimendi and academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly
‘Amazing signing,’ Merino said when asked about the Newcastle star swapping St James’ Park for the Emirates Stadium.
‘He has proved throughout these years how good he is at Newcastle. And he showed it today again. A lot of composure, technical ability, a lot of defensive effort as well.
‘So it’s a very good signing. A top player, but we have many of those in this team. So everyone that comes to help the team is welcome.’
Asked about the strength of ARSENAL’s midfield following Guimaraes’ arrival, Merino added: ‘Honestly, it’s unreal. Probably the best midfield in football
‘The amount of quality that we have there, with every player that can come on the pitch and make a good shift. It’s great. That’s good for the team. That’s good for the squad. It raises everyone’s level because if you have a bad day, the one that is close to you is going to do a great job.
‘I think we have an amazing squad. The hunger is still there. Not because we won it last season, we’re going to be happy with it.
‘We want more and more and more and we want every trophy possible. That’s the best quality of this team. Not only the amount of depth that we have, the quality that we have in every position, but that hunger.’
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