How Mikel Merino has become Arsenal's 'glue' after Mikel Arteta 'invention' | OneFootball

Spaniard has stepped up in absence of star striker

Mikel Arteta has come up with plenty of innovative ideas during his time at Arsenal.

After spending £250million on eight new signings this summer, Arteta must have thought the days of using Merino up front were over.

The absence of eight first-team players in Prague - seven of them through injury - meant Arteta was forced to turn to Merino again to solve the problem of being without a recognised No9.

Not for the first time, the 29-year-old delivered. He scored twice to secure a 3-0 win against Slavia Prague and extend the Gunners’ winning streak to ten games.

“You have to invent options, you can always have options if you invent them,” said Arteta.

“Obviously, Mikel hadn’t played there before in his career [before he came to Arsenal], but we had a good experience of last season, and the way he reacted and performed in that position.

“My view was always that he had really good timing and the capacity to finish in the box, especially with one touch.”

Arteta’s words certainly rang true on Tuesday night. Merino’s first goal was a deft flick from Leandro Trossard’s cross - the type of finish you would associate with a goal machine, not a duel monster.

Merino has shed that nickname during his time at Arsenal, proving he is far more than just a combative midfielder.

His goals against Slavia took his tally for club and country in 2025 to 19. That is a remarkable feat when you consider he had scored only 39 in his entire career before this year.

Arteta has always believed Merino could add goals to his game, and his backroom staff were confident he had the intelligence to transition into a striking role.

Much of that belief was born out of the 29-year-old’s work ethic and tactical awareness.

Merino was injured for the first few months of his Arsenal career and spent that time studying how the team played.

The Spaniard focused not only on his own role in midfield, but also on others - and that has paid off now.

Many inside the Arsenal dressing room believe Merino will become a coach one day, such is the depth of his tactical understanding.

Innovative idea: Mikel Merino and Mikel Arteta

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

He has become part of the leadership group this season and even captained the side in the Carabao Cup against Brighton last week.

From the outside, that may have raised eyebrows given Merino is not always a regular starter, but those within the club were not surprised.

The midfielder is hugely popular due to his humility and professionalism, and the example he sets to young players is a major reason he has emerged as a leader.

“It’s a joy to have him,” said Arteta. “It’s his versatility on the pitch, the things that he can do, it’s his mindset, it’s his leadership, it’s the way he is as a person.

“Today we are missing a lot of attacking players and we have to find different solutions, he comes in the Champions League and scores two goals.”

We have to find different solutions

Mikel Arteta

Merino is something of an unsung hero in this Arsenal side - and also a glue player.

Every successful squad needs individuals like that, those who hold the group together and make the team better.

It is not always the most glamorous role, though Merino must be enjoying his forays up front, but it is a vital one.

He is content to play multiple positions, to start or to finish, and his standards never drop.

The Spaniard led the line in Prague, but he also diligently defended to help Arsenal keep an eighth consecutive clean sheet - equalling a club record set in 1903.

If Arsenal, and Merino, continue as they are right now, there should be plenty more records to come this season.