Mikel Arteta shares what Mikel Merino is de facto like behind the scenes at Arsenal as midfielder continues to shine up entrance

Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu stay on the sidelines, whereas Ben White and Jurrien Timber are doubts.

On a brighter be aware, Arsenal’s harm disaster up entrance has eased, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli obtainable as soon as once more.

Mikel Merino grew to become an unlikely hero for Arsenal throughout their disaster up entrance as he took on the position of striker to nice impact.

Certainly, Arteta was jokingly requested by reporters on Friday how he would persuade Merino to fit again into midfield as soon as he’s now not wanted up entrance.

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Mikel Arteta says Mikel Merino is a ‘actual pleasure to work with’ at Arsenal

Arteta mentioned he’s “already performed that”, noting how Merino performed at No. 8 after Leandro Trossard got here on final trip.

The Arsenal supervisor went on to share how the £32million man is like behind the scenes, saying he’s an actual “pleasure to work with” and hailing his character, high quality and flexibility.

“I already did that (persuade him to return to midfield) as a result of I performed him as an eight the opposite day once we introduced Leo in, so we mentioned that,” Arteta instructed the Arsenal media crew.

“He’s a pleasure to work with and that’s one of many the reason why we wished to convey him to the membership as a result of he’s so versatile.

“He’s very clever and he loves the sport and he loves to grasp the sport and the explanation why we’ve sure gamers to do what we would like them to do.

“Mikel understood instantly, explaining his qualities, what the crew wants in that second and the way he can profit from being in these positions and demanding that the position he can do as a quantity 9 together with his qualities, not evaluating to anyone else and decide his performances on that foundation.

“And since then, I feel he’s been actually good.”

How Mikel Merino compares to Arsenal teammates and Premier League forwards

Since 15 February, the primary sport wherein Merino performed up entrance, the Spaniard has registered 5 targets from eight appearances.

Now, Merino boasts a greater minutes-per-goal ratio than any of his Arsenal teammates who’ve been taking part in in assault.

Certainly, Merino’s tally places him on par with the likes of Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah by way of Premier League gamers’ aim tallies in all competitions since mid-February.

Merino has stepped up in a time of actual disaster for Arsenal and is delivering the sort of aim tally that’d be deemed nice from a longtime Premier League striker.