Mikel Merino has now scored winning goals in back-to-back World Cup knockout games for Spain.
Twice he has come off the bench in the final minutes, both times making the difference.
Against Portugal in the round of 16, he converted five minutes after coming on in the 85th minute for Dani Olmo.
Then he did it again against Belgium, coming on in the 86th minute and scoring two minutes later.
Spain are now through to the semi-finals, and Merino is the reason. He is surely knocking on the door for a starting berth now.
How big can a fit Mikel Merino be for Arsenal next season after his heroics for Spain?
It’s incredible considering the Arsenal ‘midfielder’ missed much of last season with a stress fracture of his foot, and was doubtful to even make the tournament.
Now he has become Spain’s most important impact player.
And it raises an interesting question about Arsenal’s striker position. For one player in particular, the picture is becoming increasingly clear.
Mikel Merino’s goalscoring exploits make Gabriel Jesus’ Arsenal future untenable
Mikel Arteta has Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres to choose from as his first-choice centre-forward.
Merino has now proven he can be a serious option up front too, particularly from the bench or if injuries strike.
That leaves Gabriel Jesus, who is currently Arsenal’s second-highest paid player, effectively fourth choice striker.
Which Premier League club would you happily sell Gabriel Jesus to?
That is not a position any player wants to be in. It is certainly not a position worth paying £265,000 a week for.
The Brazilian joined Arsenal in 2022 and initially made an incredible impact, raising the level of the attack and pushing the Gunners into title contention.
However, constant injuries and setbacks have derailed him time and time again, and his output has significantly waned as a result.
The 29-year-old is available for around £20million, and reportedly has interest from the Premier League, as well as from Serie A and Brazil.
The writing has been on the wall for Jesus for some time. Merino’s World Cup form has just made it impossible to ignore.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
