With the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, fans are starved of action, well, at least until the start of the FIFA Club World Cup on a domestic level. However, the international scene has offered football supporters access to some action.
From an Arsenal point of view, a number of targets are due to be in action over the coming days. Mikel Merino, however, has already been staking his claim to get back into the Arsenal side next season.
The midfielder was chosen by Luis de la Fuente to start with summer target Martin Zubimendi and Barcelona’s Pedri. He was picked above Champions League winner Fabian Ruiz and the likes of Gavi, Dani Olmo, Isco and Fermin Lopez.
Merino has gained real notoriety within the national side for scoring big goals, and he continued that trend with yet another goal here against a very impressive French side. His goal, however, has even greater relevance for the Gunners because Zubimendi was heavily involved in the move.
The Real Sociedad midfielder played a brilliant incisive pass through to his potential new teammate Merino. A one-touch flick to former La Real teammate Mikel Oyarzabal before continuing his run through the French defence, only to receive a perfect return pass which he then finished with his weaker right foot past Mike Maignan.
Merino didn’t start the game as a centre-forward but again showed the benefits of having him as an option. For the relatively small price the club paid, a fully fit and available Merino is sure to be a great asset next season on top of whoever comes in.
That, of course, includes Zubimendi. Thomas Partey, who may or may not stay as contract talks go on, is wanted by Mikel Arteta, but assessment of the Ghanaian would suggest his line-breaking passes have somewhat dropped off as he reaches the latter stages of his career.
The pass from Zubimendi to Merino is a regular sight for Real Sociedad supporters. Arsenal has been attracted to this weapon, among others, which is why they’re so keen to add the Spaniard to their ranks. The hope is this will occur in July and before pre-season training commences, but the signs from what we have seen for the national side are very encouraging indeed and vindicate the Gunners’ keenness to sign the midfielder.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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