Andrea Berta’s work in the summer transfer window is great news for Arsenal, but one player might be feeling rather bewildered.
Arsenal have welcomed six new players so far, a number that will surely rise if Mikel Arteta gets his way.
The Arsenal manager has made it clear that he expects more players to come in, but first, the club must move some squad players.
A list of names are set to be sold by Berta this summer, not only to balance the books, but also, balance the squad.
Mikel Merino’s role at Arsenal is now unclear
The new signings have impacted Arteta’s existing squad positively, but also in a negative light for those who have been pushed down the pecking order.
One player who might feel a bit unnerved by the incomings is Mikel Merino.
Arsenal have a lot to thank Merino for, as in his debut season, the Spaniard not only had to adapt to the Premier League.
The 29-year-old was also expected to adapt to an entirely new position, becoming a makeshift striker when injuries in the Arsenal squad were rife.
When Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were sidelined, Arteta called on Merino to lead the line, but now, it’s unclear where the £32m signing stands.
Now that Viktor Gyokeres has arrived, Havertz shifts to second in the pecking order, with Merino and Jesus having to battle it out for the third-place spot.
Usually, there would be some light for the former Real Sociedad star to chase; however, changes have also been made in his usual position.
Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard have impressed in pre-season, and arguably, are above Merino in the pecking order in central midfield.
This leaves Merino in a space between the two roles, where he’s not particularly needed in either, posing the question as to what the player’s job description will be heading into the new season.
What Merino has said about Arsenal’s new signings
In an interview with TNT Sports ahead of the new season, Merino was asked what he thinks of Arsenal’s new signings.
The Spaniard answered in a way that portrays just how strong the morale is in the Arsenal squad.
“I think every time you sign new players, there’s always this thing around how they can adapt. But to be honest, this club, this family, is great at helping the new guys come in and settle,” he said.
The midfielder went on to applaud the quality of his new teammates, both on and off the pitch.
“This club doesn’t [just] sign anyone. They know they have to be not only good players, but at the same time, nice people. Every signing we have made this off-season has been amazing, and they are already settled.
“Obviously, [they will need] some time of adaptation to the league and everything will come. But yeah, they look very sharp so far.”
It’s set to be a fascinating season ahead of Arsenal, and particularly Merino, whose role is yet to be identified.
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