BREAKING NEWS: Arsenal’s standout player demonstrated against Lyon that Arteta already has a solution to counter Mikel Merino—opinion.
Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice, and David Raya have all recently joined Arsenal, but the integration process has been gradual.
Riccardo Calafiori, confirmed during the US tour, made his debut against Lyon this past weekend, with supporters warmly welcoming him off the bench. Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory in that match, although the performance was less dynamic compared to their 4-1 win over Leverkusen. The goals came from set pieces by William Saliba and Gabriel, showcasing Arsenal’s continued strength in corner situations.
With the opening match of the season against Wolves just six days away, speculation about new signings persists. The ongoing saga regarding Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad suggests that while discussions have progressed, Arsenal still has work to finalize the deal. According to Fabrizio Romano, the situation mirrors the negotiations for Calafiori, with final talks on the payment structure still required.
A proposed fee of around £25 million for Merino could represent a significant bargain for Arsenal. Despite this, Arteta’s current squad already shows promising solutions.
In the pre-season finale against Lyon, players like Gabriel and Saliba stood out, while Declan Rice demonstrated his capabilities in the number 8 role. Despite criticism during Euro 2024, Rice showcased his ability to be progressive and creative, contributing two assists and controlling the midfield effectively. He registered impressive stats, including 100% success in aerial duels and notable contributions in passing and dribbling.
Rice’s performance suggests he could be a viable alternative to Merino, as he shares similar statistics with the Real Sociedad midfielder in key areas such as progressive passes, goals, and passing accuracy. While Merino excels in attempted take-ons, Rice’s effectiveness in offensive positions, especially with a supportive midfielder like Jorginho or Thomas Partey behind him, indicates that Arsenal may already have an adequate solution in Rice.
This potential overlap in playing style raises questions about the necessity of acquiring Merino, given the impact it could have on the usage of Arsenal’s significant investment in Rice.