Arsenal fans’ perception of Mikel Merino has changed massively since the midfielder signed from Real Sociedad in 2024.
Arsenal signed Merino as a midfielder, making it quite the surprise to now see the Spaniard utilised as a striker.
Before joining Mikel Arteta’s project, the 29-year-old hadn’t played as a striker before, but everything changed when the Arsenal manager needed a goalscorer against Leicester City last season.
Merino was shocked to be nominated as a striker on that day at the King Power, but those behind the scenes at Arsenal thought very differently, which explains everything that’s unfolded since.
How Mikel Merino is viewed by Arsenal staff
Merino’s goalscoring role at Arsenal has been celebrated ever since his brace against Leicester City.
Selecting Merino to be a striker that day wasn’t a panicked call, as sources close to the Standard understand.
After Merino’s goal against Chelsea, the Standard revealed what Arsenal’s coaches think about the midfielder behind the scenes.
Mikel Merino proving why Arsenal fans cannot underestimate him… ⚽️🔥
It’s understood that staff at Arsenal have ‘always viewed’ the Spain international as one of the ‘most tactically intelligent players’ in Arteta’s squad.
The revelation comes as no surprise, given the success that Merino has found since becoming a striker, taking the change in demand in his stride while delivering the goals.
It’s not only at Arsenal that Merino’s versatility is celebrated, as he’s also delivering for his country, recording 28 goal contributions for club and country since the start of 2025.
Merino is really earning his nickname
The former Real Sociedad midfielder is delivering in the final third in a way that’s not only earning his minutes, but his nickname, too.
Gabriel Martinelli calls Merino R9, likening his teammate to the legendary Brazilian Ronaldo.
Mikel Merino’s impressive record in 2025!
Mikel Merino has 28 goal contributions for club and country in 2025 
Surely Merino has just proved he is Arsenal’s first-choice number nine? Who are you picking, Arsenal fans… Let us know!
It’s a bit of fun, but in all seriousness, the Spaniard’s scoring streak is so good that Merino has now given Arteta a decision to make about Viktor Gyokeres.
Gyokeres scored 97 goals over his previous two seasons, but it’s Merino’s scoring form that is untouchable right now.
Arteta unlocked a gem by signing Merino and fielding him as a striker, proving Arsenal coaches’ thoughts on the midfielder to be spot on.
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