Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino is settling into life in North London after signing for the club in the summer.
Mikel Arteta made it clear that he was a firm admirer of Merino during the summer transfer window, capturing the Spaniard from Real Sociedad.
It’s been a slow start to life at the Emirates for the midfielder, who was injured in his first training session, suffering a broken collarbone.
After waiting on the sidelines to make his mark, the 28-year-old made his debut for the Gunners in the Champions League, then made his Premier League debut in red and white days later.
Mikel Merino makes ‘obsessive’ Arsenal claim
Fans eagerly awaited the arrival of Merino, who finally made his debut before the international break.
Currently on duty with Spain alongside David Raya, the midfielder will be hopeful of returning to Arsenal to claim a starting spot in Arteta’s favoured XI.
The manager has already shown great trust in the former LaLiga star, handing Merino his Arsenal debut when the stakes were high against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Speaking to the media after making his debut, the Euro 2024 winner shared one thing that the squad are ‘obsessed’ with at the Emirates.
“Winning trophies is the main thing here for everybody,” Merino explained.
“I think they are obsessed with that, you can see that winning is the main thing.”
Merino was evidently briefed on Arteta’s masterplan to deliver silverware to Arsenal, who haven’t won the Premier League since the invincible season of 2003/04.
Arsenal have to win a trophy this season
Given how much Arsenal have improved over the past few years, there’s no pressure on Arteta’s job however, the manager will feel the pressure when it comes to delivering trophies.
Missing out on the Premier League title for two years in a row would have frustrated those at the Emirates, particularly last season, missing out by just two points.
The task is to achieve near perfection to usurp Manchester City, who could win their fifth-consecutive title if they top the table in May.
Arsenal have to stop Pep Guardiola’s side from doing so to make their presence in the top flight known, as well as putting together a strong European campaign in the Champions League.
Merino’s admission portrays the hunger in the squad to win titles at Arsenal, who have been away from Premier League glory for 21 years.
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