A string of injuries to attacking players has led Mikel Merino playing as a striker recently but Merson ‘can’t get his head around’ that tactic and wants Raheem Sterling to start instead of Arsenal’s £32m midfielder.

Mikel Merino will play as the centre-forward. Mikel Merino is a versatile, strong makeshift centre forward with excellent hold-up play, aerial ability, vision, and intelligent link-up skills.

Mikel Arteta needs to make room for Raheem Sterling to start when Arsenal face PSV Eindhoven in their Champions League first leg.

Jermaine Pennant has urged Mikel Arteta to deploy Ethan Nwaneri in a central role to try and reignite Arsenal ’s attacking thrust. Dropped points against West Ham and Nottingham Forest have seen the wheels come off the Gunners’ Premier League title charge, with Arsenal now trailing runaway leaders Liverpool by 13 points.

Merino shone in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory at the King Power Stadium, scoring both goals after coming off the bench with just over 20 minutes to go. The dilemma for Mikel Arteta now is whether he starts Merino up front for this weekend’s clash with West Ham, or continues to use him as an impact player from the bench.

Mikel Arteta turned to midfielder Mikel Merino in the hope of solving Arsenal's forward crisis against Leicester and the Spaniard repaid his manager with two goals

Mikel Arteta has insisted that Arsenal still have "gears to take the game to a different level" despite their injury crisis.

Mikel Arteta is said to have decided upon his third summer addition at the Emirates. It is no secret the Spaniard wants to bring in new players to help add a further competitive level of depth to his squad ahead of next season.

Mikel Arteta’s transfer strategy has been a major talking point as Arsenal approaches the summer 2025 window. While some may see his approach as risky, there are strong reasons to believe it’s a gamble worth taking.