The data suggests that Arsenal transfer target Mikel Merino would be a perfect fit for Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Mikel Merino is now a top target for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his midfield contingent in this summer transfer window, and Arsenal are now pushing to sign Merino.
Real Sociedad are willing to let the 28-year-old go this summer, as they would otherwise run the risk of losing him as a free agent next summer. Merino only has one year left to run on his current contract and has no interest in signing another deal with the La Liga side.
The Euro 2024 winner now looks set to swap Sociedad for North London. With the deal to sign Calafiori over the line, Arsenal have made Merino their top priority.
It is easy to see why Arteta is so keen on the Spaniard.
Mikel Merino is a duel-winning specialist
Merino has been described as a “monster” when it comes to winning duels. As reported by WhoScored on X, no other midfielder in Europe’s top five leagues won more aerial duels than Merino last season, who was successful in 168 aerial battles.
Squawka data shows that, in total, Merino won 326 duels last season, with battles over the ball both in the air and on the ground taken into account. Again, no other player in Europe’s major divisions could match him.
Arteta puts a big emphasis on wanting his players to win their duels, and the Real Sociedad man is practically guaranteed to do that.
Merino will attack the box for Arsenal
According to FBRef stats, Merino averaged 2.89 touches in the opposition penalty area last season, putting him in the 93rd percentile of all midfielders. He can be relied upon to push forward and support the Gunners’ attacks.
He will arrive late into the box and look to get onto the end of deliveries. His aerial prowess can make him a real goal threat in this regard too, as he demonstrated at Euro 2024 with a brilliant headed winner against the hosts, Germany, in the quarter-finals.
Declan Rice can expect support
As per FBRef data again, Merino averaged 2.66 tackles and 2.02 clearances per game last season.
In the middle of the park for Arsenal, Declan Rice is the man primarily trusted with protecting the back four, and he does a brilliant job of it. However, Merino will be able to assist the former West Ham United man in this regard when they are on the pitch together, whilst still having the energy to make an impact in the final third, too.
On top of that, these figures show that Merino can cover for Rice at the base of the midfield, giving Arteta the option to occasionally rest the England star.
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