Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has indicated that Mikel Merino is a “really serious” option to lead the line as the club continues to adapt to Viktor Gyokeres.
DDM gathered that Merino filled in as striker last month when injuries sidelined Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus, impressing with his performances.
In five Premier League starts, Merino scored twice and assisted three goals, giving him a higher goal involvement record than Arsenal’s three recognised strikers since the start of last season.
Gyokeres, the £64million summer signing, has faced scrutiny after scoring just once in the Premier League since September.
The striker’s momentum, which included two goals against Atletico Madrid in October, was halted by a hamstring injury.
Ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Everton on Saturday, Arteta confirmed that Merino could be chosen to start up front, even with Gyokeres and Jesus fit.
“Yeah yeah, he’s certainly an option,” Arteta said. “I think he’s given us every reason as well to consider him in a really serious way. You look at the goals he’s scored and the importance of those goals, I think he needs to be right up [in consideration].”
Gyokeres struggled in Arsenal’s win over Wolves last weekend, managing only one shot and 15 touches over 81 minutes. He had also failed to register a single attempt in brief appearances against Chelsea, Brentford, and Aston Villa.
Despite recent challenges, Arteta highlighted positive signs from Gyokeres in recent matches. “I think the level of attention on him hasn’t changed since he signed to today, it’s normal,” the manager said.
Arteta added that the striker had to adapt to the Premier League without a full pre-season. “The first few weeks were difficult because physically he wasn’t in his best state. Then he kicked on.
I think he had a really good period and he got injured. And now he’s back. I saw a lot of positive things in the last two games that he’s done,” he said.
The manager also stressed the importance of the team understanding Gyokeres better on the pitch while he continues to adjust. “We need to continue to tweak and understand him a little bit better in certain situations, and he needs to do the same. But that’s about time. We have full support for him.”
When asked if Gyokeres could reach another level in the second half of the season, Arteta remained confident. “I think so, yes,” he said.
