Merino’s reinvention: how Arsenal’s midfield general became Arteta’s surprise No. 9

When Mikel Merino arrived at Arsenal from Real Sociedad in August 2024, few imagined he would one day be discussed as the club’s potential long-term centre-forward. The Spain international joined as an accomplished midfield operator, boasting more than 200 La Liga appearances and a European Championship winners’ medal, but with zero experience playing as a striker, Sport360NG reports.

Fast forward just over a year, and the 29-year-old has emerged as a credible contender to lead Arsenal’s attack. His latest contribution came on Sunday, when he headed home the equaliser in a 1–1 draw against Chelsea, further strengthening his case as a reliable makeshift No. 9 in the continued absence of Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and summer signing Viktor Gyökeres.

A New Role Takes Shape

Merino’s transformation began in February, when he was deployed up front for the first time in his professional career and responded with a brace off the bench in a 2–0 win over Leicester. Since then, he has grown increasingly comfortable in the role, scoring 16 goals in 63 appearances for the Gunners, many of them from centre-forward positions.

Arteta has form when it comes to repositioning midfielders. Havertz, initially viewed as a hybrid midfielder, became Arsenal’s preferred striker when fit due to his intelligence, physical stature and ability to contribute goals. Merino shares similar traits, but with an added aerial dominance that has become central to Arsenal’s attacking identity this season.

The club’s £64m move for Gyökeres last summer appeared to settle the search for a natural finisher. The Swedish international arrived with a prolific record, 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting, and has since contributed six goals in 15 appearances. Yet even he has faced questions about his suitability to Arteta’s system.

Standing Out in Key Moments

Merino has responded by delivering when it matters most. In his past five starts as a striker, he has produced three goals and two assists. He is also Arsenal’s joint-top scorer in the Premier League in 2025 with eight goals, five of them headers, the most in the division this year, level with Brentford’s Kevin Schade.

His aerial consistency is remarkable: seven of his 10 Premier League goals have come from headers. Historically, only James Scowcroft has a higher headed-goal ratio among non-defenders with at least 10 goals.

Beyond scoring, Merino offers tactical flexibility. His habit of dropping into midfield helps free up attackers around him. Leandro Trossard’s opener in the 4–1 win over Tottenham in November and Eberechi Eze’s resurgence, highlighted by his derby hat-trick, have both benefited from Merino’s movement and intelligence.

Competition Returns, But the Job Isn’t Guaranteed

With Gyökeres and Jesus now returning from injury, Arteta has greater depth up front, but neither is assured of reclaiming the position immediately. Gyökeres, who recently returned from a hamstring issue, still needs time to regain sharpness. In his absence, Arsenal’s attack has flourished: 22 goals in matches where Merino has started as striker, including 13 in the last five alone.

Crucially, 11 of those 13 recent goals have come from open play, softening criticism that Arsenal rely too heavily on set-pieces.

Merino’s understanding of midfield play enhances Arsenal’s fluidity. Tall, physical and tactically astute, he provides a different threat compared to Gyökeres, who specialises in running in behind and using his power to unsettle defenders.

Learning the Craft

Despite his success, Merino remains humble about the nuances of the role.
“It’s always good to score, but the important thing is helping the team,” he said. “I’ve been playing as a striker lately and I’m trying to be in the right areas so my team-mates can find me.”

He has even sought guidance from Arsenal’s established forwards.
“I ask the strikers for tips, about positioning, about staying on the right side of defenders,” he added. “I try to learn from every action, every game and even from strikers I watch on TV.”

His header against Chelsea was his 20th goal of 2025 across club and country, prompting Arteta to say the Spaniard “can smell danger”.

A Long-Term Solution?

With Brentford visiting the Emirates on Wednesday ahead of a congested festive period, Arteta faces a big decision: return to his traditional strikers, or stick with the midfielder who has reinvented himself as an unexpected but effective No. 9.

Given Merino’s form, intelligence and consistency, the answer may not be straightforward. What began as a short-term fix is increasingly looking like a genuine long-term option.