Bukayo Saka and Santi Cazorla send messages to ‘insane’ Arsenal star following Real Madrid victory

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Arsenal are reaping the rewards of a courageous but disciplined performance at the Bernabeu as they progressed into the Champions League semi-final.

The French media were impressed with Arsenal as they set up a semi-final clash with PSG, a side they beat in the league phase of the competition 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta praised Declan Rice for his performance once again as he dominated the Real Madrid midfield and drove the Gunners onwards to victory.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli grabbed the headlines with their goals but both were provided by the excellent Mikel Merino and Arsenal stars have shown their appreciation for the Spaniard.

READ MORE: What Myles Lewis-Skelly did before Real Madrid masterclass proves Arsenal starlet is immune to nerves

Bukayo Saka and Santi Cazorla send messages to Mikel Merino

Merino has been phenomenal for Arteta’s side since transforming into a make shift centre forward and the Real Madrid defence could not handle his intelligence of movement.

The Spaniard’s physicality was also impressive during his performance at the Bernabeu and after providing two assists Saka and former Gunners midfielder Santi Cazorla are among those praising Merino.

Saka commented on Merino’s Instagram post with the words: “So good” whilst Cazorla replied with seven ‘raising hands’ emojis followed by three ‘heart’ emojis.

Rice also sent a message to Merino as he wrote: “This player [heart emoji] [heart eyes emoji]” and there was even further praise from Jurrien Timber who simply commented: “You are insane.”

Mikel Merino’s record as a striker for Arsenal

Merino’s redemption arc from being questioned by fans earlier in the season to leading the forward line with style and effect has been quite extraordinary.

With just two goals and one assist to his name before the position change, Arsenal fans were unsure of his ability to make a difference to the side but those questions have been firmly answered.

Arsenal chased Ollie Watkins in the January transfer window and whilst a centre forward is an obvious priority for the summer window, Merino has provided a sensational short term solution.

Arteta deserves all the credit for identifying Merino’s ability to adapt to the role and it may just prove to be the masterstroke that ends the Gunners long wait for European glory.