Arteta Backs Merino as Striker Amid Arsenal Injuries

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed confidence in midfielder Mikel Merino's potential as a striker on Friday, suggesting the Spaniard has earned consideration for the role even as other forwards regain fitness, ahead of the team's Premier League match against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Merino, who joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in August 2024, has adapted unusually well to the central forward position despite no prior experience there. Filling in for injured attackers Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, he scored nine goals in his debut season at the Emirates Stadium and has netted 11 times for club and country this campaign, contributing to Arsenal's position at the top of the Premier League table. Arteta, speaking to reporters, affirmed Merino's credentials when asked about his future deployment. "I think he has earned at least the thinking behind it with the way he's performing and the impact that he's bringing to the team, so that's a yes," Arteta said. He added that Merino could also feature alongside returning players like Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres or Jesus in a forward line, noting preparations made during the summer for such tactical flexibility that have yet to be fully...