Arsenal: Mikel Arteta drops Viktor Gyokeres selection hint with Mikel Merino viewed as 'really serious' option | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has a big decision to make in Arsenal’s attack for Premier League clash against Everton

Mikel Arteta views Mikel Merino as a "really serious" option to start up front while Arsenal learn to adapt to Viktor Gyokeres.

Merino had a run in the side as striker last month with Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus injured and he stepped up in impressive fashion.

Gyokeres' recent performances have come under scrutiny, with the £64million summer signing scoring once in the Premier League since September.

Ahead of Arsenal's trip to take on Everton on Saturday, Arteta confirmed that Merino could get the nod to lead the line even with Gyokeres and Jesus fit.

"Yeah yeah, he's certainly an option," Arteta said.

"I think he's given us every reason as well to consider him in a really serious way. You look at the goals he's scored and the importance of those goals, I think he needs to be right up [in consideration]."

Gyokeres had been starting to pick up some form for Arsenal, scoring twice against Atletico Madrid in October, but a hamstring injury then halted his momentum.

He had just one shot in Arsenal's win over Wolves last weekend in a quiet performance, having not managed a single effort in cameos off the bench against Chelsea, Brentford and Aston Villa.

Viktor Gyokeres struggled against Wolves

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Gyokeres had only 15 touches in 81 minutes against Wolves, but Arteta insisted there have been positive signs recently and called for the rest of the team to "understand him a little better".

"I think the level of attention on him hasn't changed since he signed to today - it's normal," Arteta said.

"Everybody was so excited to bring a nine into the game. We did it. We brought a player with an incredible scoring record who had to adapt to the league. He had no pre-season.

"The first few weeks were difficult because physically he wasn't in his best state and he's a player that needs that, like any other player in this league, almost to perform at that level. Then he kicked on. I think he had a really good period and he got injured.

"And now he's back. I saw a lot of positive things in the last two games that he's done. I know we need to continue to tweak and understand him a little bit better in certain situations, and he needs to do the same.

"But that's about time. We have full support for him."

Asked if he expected Gyokeres to find another level in the second half of the season, Arteta said: "I think so, yes."