Why Spain midfielder Mikel Merino would be ideal for Arteta’s Arsenal
Mikel Arteta wanted to sign a left-back and a central midfielder this summer. One down, one to go
By Sam Hammond for WhoScored
Arsenal’s failure to usurp Manchester City as Premier League champions in each of the last two seasons can be excused by several factors. Pep Guardiola’s side have only known winning for the last four campaigns, while Mikel Arteta’s players are trying to get over the line and deliver a first league title for more than 20 years.
After missing out on top spot by five points in the 2022-23 season, Arsenal strengthened in every area last summer, signing the goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford on loan, the defender Jurriën Timber from Ajax, the midfielder Declan Rice from West Ham and the forward Kai Havertz from Chelsea. After investing more than £200m in the squad, Arteta’s team were expected to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title, and that they did, this time missing out by just two points. They won 16 of their last 18 league games but a devastating defeat against Aston Villa sealed their fate.
