Mikel Arteta may be in the middle of an attacking injury crisis – but he could be set to name his starting defence for the first time since November.
Arsenal face high-flying Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Wednesday night – live on talkSPORT.
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Arsenal boss Arteta could shuffle up his side for the club’s trip to ForestCredit: AFP
The Gunners are looking for an immediate return to winning ways following their shock 1-0 defeat to West Ham at the Emirates last weekend.
Having failed to cut Liverpool‘s lead down to five points, the north London outfit now trail Arne Slot’s men by 11 points following the Reds’ 2-0 triumph at Manchester City.
Many Gooners now feel as though their title tilt is all-but over – and a defeat to Forest could leave them in a fight for a top four spot.
Just six currently separates Arsenal in second and Forest in third, and with Manchester United and Chelsea on the horizon for Arteta‘s side, they know they can’t afford a second successive loss.
But they know they will be in store for a tough night with the club without their four key forwards in Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Jesus.
Goals from Jesus and Saka at the City Ground last term helped Arsenal claim all three points, while the latter also scored in the 3-0 win over Forest in November.
While the club are undoubtedly light up top, they have been boosted by the return of versatile defender Ben White, who is finally back to full fitness following his knee surgery.
He made his first appearance for the club since the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on November 10 in the defeat to the Hammers.
Waxing lyrical over the England international in his pre-match press conference, Arteta said of White: “He’s a player that has given us something very, very special, especially in that right unit.
“We haven’t played with that right unit at all this season with him, Bukayo and Martin as well – a unit that has played so much football together.
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White has given Arsenal a boost with the defender ready for selectionCredit: Getty
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The Gunners sit 11 points behind leaders Liverpool with a game in hand
“It’s great to have him back, it’s more options and his energy, the way he is around the team and what he generates, he’s certainly been missed.”
White’s return is a boost for Arsenal in more ways than one with the club set to be without left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly due to suspension following his red card.
With a possible defensive shake-up in order, here talkSPORT.com takes a look at how they could start against Forest.
David Raya will continue to deputise between the sticks having established himself as one of the top-flight’s best goalkeepers since joining from Brentford.
White could then return to his right-back role, resulting in Jurrien Timber being shifted off to left-back – ahead of Riccardo Calafiori.
William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes would then once again be paired in the heart of defence as they look to shut out goal machine Chris Wood.
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Timber could be moved back to left-back should White return to the line-upCredit: Getty
Should White, Saliba, Gabriel and Timber all start, it would be the first time they’d have been in the line-up together since the 1-1 draw at Chelsea.
Timber started off his Arsenal career as a left-back, with seven of his opening nine matches this term coming from the position.
Moving into midfield, and Thomas Partey could once again be deployed in a lone defensive No. 6 role.
This would allow both skipper Martin Odegaard and club-record signing Declan Rice to slot in as No.8s – though the pair know they must start soon chipping with goals with the duo having a combined three strikes in the league so far.
With no fit and available striker, Arteta turned to Mikel Merino against West Ham following his dazzling display off the bench away at Leicester.
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Arsenal’s lack of goals from midfield has been an issue for Arteta
But he failed to replicate his heroics against West Ham, leading to suggestion Arteta could look to try something else.
However, the Spaniard has hinted he will experiment with Merino up top once more when asked whether he feels his compatriot can play as a false nine.
He remarked: “Yes – in relation to the opposition and the options we have, and then what the team generates as well.
“Attacking players depend a lot on what the team is generating, the chemistry, the fluidity, the areas we are hitting, and how we interact with each other.
“It worked really against Leicester, but the other day there were a lot of things missing.”
Martin Keown believes Arsenal fans won’t turn against Mikel Arteta if they fail to win anything over the next few seasons
Arsenal legend Martin Keown vented his fury after a penalty was awarded against the Gunners in contentious circumstances.
Referee Istvan Kovacs called a handball against Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino in their Champions League defeat at Inter Milan despite his arm being close to his body and having little to no time to react.
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Merino copped a penalty for this handball after the ball rebounded off his knee and onto his arm
Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu made no mistake from the resulting spot kick in the third minute of first-half stoppage time to seal a 1-0 win for the Serie A side, and the incident left a sour taste in Keown’s mouth.
“Is his arm in an unnatural position? It certainly isn’t,” Keown said on TNT Sports.
“I don’t know who determines that… it’s ruining our game, it certainly ruins Arteta’s team talk.”
Fellow TNT Sports commentator Ally McCoist was in agreement, and says a major rule change to handball laws is required.
“The law has to change and the word ‘deliberate’ has to come back into it,” McCoist said.
“That is not deliberate.”
It’s unlikely a penalty would’ve been awarded if this happened in a Premier League game as new handball laws were introduced before the start of this season.
In the Premier League, referees consider mitigating factors when deciding whether to penalise a handball.
These include the player’s proximity to the ball, whether the player’s arm is used to support their body while falling and whether the player deflects or plays the ball onto their own arms.
The Italian side was perhaps a little fortunate to not have given away a penalty earlier in the contest, with Merino once again in the thick of the action.
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Yann Sommer clattered into Merino but escaped giving away a penaltyCredit: AFP
Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer jumped up and attempted to punch a cross from Gunners winger Gabriel Martinelli to safety.
However, the Swiss international missed the ball and instead made contact with Merino, who got his head to the ball first.
Yet Kovacs did not deem the incident worthy of a penalty and VAR shared the same view.
Martin Keown CLASHES with Jim White on Arsenal’s discipline and red cards this season under Mikel Arteta
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was understandably frustrated after the match regarding Sommer’s incident.
“I feel like we were very harshly done tonight,” Arteta told TNT Sports.
Arteta also felt his team should ‘obviously’ have had a penalty as Sommer ‘punches him [Merino] in the head.’
The Spaniard was also perplexed as to why Kovacs deemed Merino’s handball worthy of a penalty.
“There is no danger in the box, there’s nothing you can do,” Arteta said.
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It was a bruising night for the GunnersCredit: Getty
“The ball is very, very close to your body so I don’t know how you can get away from it.
“But especially if you’re going to give that one, I think the other one has to be 100 per cent a penalty.”
Arsenal were unable to find a route back into the game which also saw Kai Havertz go off with blood pouring from his head following a nasty collision with Inter defender Yann Bisseck.
Arteta’s men have suffered a second defeat on the spin as well as three defeats in their last six outings.
The Gunners must quickly shift focus to a bumper Premier League clash away to Chelsea on Sunday.
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Arsenal were hard done by just before half time but didn’t ask enough questions of their Italian opponentsCredit: AFP
Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka inspired Arsenal’s 2-0 success against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday as the Gunners secured their first win in the Champions League this season.
Havertz headed Arsenal into the lead and Saka netted before the interval to underline their superiority at the Emirates Stadium.
After drawing their opening league phase tie at Atalanta, Mikel Arteta’s side moved onto four points in their bid to reach the knockout stage of the revamped tournament.
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Premier League legend Frank Lampard said Arsenal had “taught a bit of a lesson” to PSG, who were weaker and less aggressive both on and off the ball.
Meanwhile, Oliver Holt wrote in the Daily Mail that the win announces Arsenal as one of the favourites to win the competition.
“Arsenal were not at their best but they did not have to be. PSG may not be favourites to win the Champions League but they are counted among the contenders and Arsenal made beating them look relatively routine,” he wrote.
“They deserve to be among the favourites. With City and Real Madrid, they, not PSG, look like a team to fear.”
Man City cruise to victory in Slovakia | 01:03
Eliminated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals last season and pipped to the English title by Manchester City, the Gunners are now unbeaten in nine games in all competitions this term as they chase silverware on both fronts.
There was further good news for Arsenal as Spain midfielder Mikel Merino made his long-awaited debut for the last 30 minutes.
Merino’s recovery from a shoulder injury suffered in his first training session following his close-season move from Real Sociedad was a welcome boost for Arteta with Martin Odegaard currently sidelined.
Gianluigi Donnarumma was back in goal for PSG after missing the last three games with a thigh injury and the Italian had an early test of his fitness as he sprinted off his line to save at Gabriel Martinelli’s feet.
Saka, captaining Arsenal for the night, quickly switched the momentum in the hosts’ favour when he cut in from the right flank to curl just over from the edge of the area.
Havertz rewarded Arsenal’s relentless pressure with the opener in the 20th minute.
Leandro Trossard curled a pinpoint cross into the six-yard box and Havertz made a perfectly-timed run behind the visitors’ flat-footed defence to bravely head past the advancing Donnarumma.
The Germany forward, who scored Chelsea’s Champions League final winner in 2021, endured a difficult start with Arsenal after moving across London for £65 million ($86 million) last year.
But since the start of February, only three Premier League players have more combined goals and assists in all competitions than Havertz’s tally of 21 as he banishes the ‘waste of money’ jibes.
‘4 goals in 1 half!’ Palmer’s EPL RECORD | 00:37
– COMPOSED ARSENAL –
PSG’s cause wasn’t helped by the absence of France winger Ousmane Dembele, who was left out after the 2018 World Cup winner’s reported clash with boss Luis Enrique when he was substituted in their win over Rennes on Friday.
Dembele is PSG’s most potent attacking force following Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid.
Nuno Mendes tried to provide an attacking spark for the spluttering visitors as the defender’s blast from 18 yards smashed off the post and bounced to safety.
But Arsenal were always in control and Saka doubled their advantage in the 35th minute.
Under the guidance of their set-piece guru Nicolas Jover, Arsenal have become lethal from free-kicks and corners, while PSG are notoriously deficient in that area.
So it was little surprise that Arteta’s team were able to capitalise on their dead-ball expertise yet again.
Whipping an in swinging free-kick towards Donnarumma’s goal, the England forward expected a teammate to get a touch on his delivery.
Instead, there was enough swerve on the ball that it eluded a gaggle of players and caught the slow-to-react Donnarumma unsighted as it flashed into the net.
Only Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior have been involved in more Champions League goals than Saka since the start of last season.
Trossard shot just wide before halftime as PSG’s creaky defence looked more League One than Ligue 1.
Donnarumma made a fine save to keep out Martinelli’s volley soon after the interval, but PSG were inches away from grabbing a lifeline when Joao Neves’ effort smacked off the bar.
On a rainy evening in north London, Arsenal battened down the hatches in the closing stages as they eased to a significant victory.smg/nf
10-man Spurs start strong in Europa | 00:53
LEWANDOWSKI HITS BRACE AS BARCA CRUSH YOUNG BOYS
Robert Lewandowski struck twice for Barcelona as they demolished Young Boys 5-0 in a one-sided Champions League clash on Tuesday.
The Catalan giants, five-time winners, made amends for their defeat by Monaco in their first match by thumping their Swiss visitors.
Raphinha and Inigo Martinez strikes as well as an own goal helped Hansi Flick’s side secure a sizeable victory and boost their goal difference significantly.
“We knew after the game against Monaco in the Champions League we had to give a quick reply in the next game, which was this one, and we did that well,” Raphinha told Movistar.
“A couple of days ago we lost a game in La Liga too (at Osasuna) and we had to give a quick response, and we did that.
“It’s much easier playing here at home because of the joy (the fans) give us.” Raphinha said with the expanded Champions League format and one table for all the teams, it was useful to build a good goal difference.
“It’s important to score so many goals because at the end of the eight games, it will be handy,” he added.
Barca coach Flick rolled out arguably his strongest available team after the loss at Monaco, despite the Swiss side’s struggles.
Young Boys are in the relegation zone of their domestic league with just one win in eight games and were thrashed at home by Aston Villa on their European debut this season.
It took Barcelona just eight minutes to move ahead, with Lewandowski applying a poacher’s finish to Raphinha’s cross-shot.
Jules Kounde hammered over and Ferran Torres had a shot saved as Barcelona dominated, but Young Boys carved out a first opening after 30 minutes when Ebrima Colley pulled an effort wide.
Raphinha, enjoying a strong start to the campaign, doubled Barcelona’s lead from close range after Pedri’s shot was blocked but the ball ricocheted to his feet.
Centre-back Martinez headed home Barca’s third from Pedri’s free-kick shortly afterwards as the Catalans overran their ragged visitors.
– Barca romp –
Torres wasted a fine chance for the fourth when he fired straight at Young Boys goalkeeper Marvin Keller when well placed to score.
Lewandowski netted his second with a close-range header after Martinez had nodded Lamine Yamal’s corner back across the face of goal as Barcelona began the second half just how they finished the first.
It was the 36-year-old’s ninth goal in 10 games this season as he enjoys a revival under his former Bayern Munich coach Flick.
Young Boys winger Joel Monteiro struck the crossbar but that was as close as the visitors came to joy in Catalonia.
Barcelona fans were pleased to see Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong come on as a substitute for his first appearance since an ankle injury in April as the game petered towards a close.
Mohamed Camara deflected Alejandro Balde’s cross into his own goal for Barcelona’s fifth in the 81st minute.
Home supporters chanted the name of former Barca midfield icon Andres Iniesta, after reports the Spanish 2010 World Cup winner will announce his retirement next week.
Monteiro had a late goal ruled out for off-side and Inaki Pena made a smart save at his near post late on, with Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny watching on from the presidential box.
Barcelona are poised to sign the former Juventus and Arsenal stopper to replace the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
BORUSSIA DORTMUND ROUT CELTIC
Karim Adeyemi scored three goals in the first half as Borussia Dortmund handed Celtic a brutal Champions League reality check, winning 7-1 at home on Tuesday.
Celtic came into the match having won eight from eight in Scotland and Europe this season, but were blown off the park in Germany, Dortmund leading 5-1 at halftime.
Dortmund added two goals in the second half to equal their biggest ever win in the Champions League.
Arsenal have a new dribbling supremo on their hands in the shape of Mikel Merino.
The Spanish midfielder is closing in on a move to north London and has already given a glimpse of what he has to offer the Premier League from his fairly uneventful stay at Newcastle.
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Merino made history during his brief stay at NewcastleCredit: Getty
Merino has already enjoyed a taste of English football, having joined Newcastle United on a season-long loan deal from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2017.
The achievement might not sound too remarkable, but it was a feat that wasn’t completed by anyone for a staggering 17 months after that day.
Competing in August 2019, Arsenal’s Nicolas Pepe successfully followed in Merino’s footsteps, becoming the first player in 50 of Van Dijk’s appearances to dribble past the Dutchman.
Merino’s loan move to Newcastle was turned into a permanent move during the 2017/18 season, however, he didn’t stick around long at St James’ Park with Real Sociedad swooping him and taking him back to Spain in the summer of 2018.
Making just 25 appearances for Newcastle, the central midfielder has been a key man for Real Sociedad in the years since, making 242 appearances, scoring 27 goals and offering 30 assists.
It’s that sort of record that made him a top target for Arsenal.
With the Gunners challenging for the Premier League title this term, Mikel Arteta will be hoping that the Spaniard will add crucial quality to their midfield ranks for the new season.
The midfielder enjoyed his best season last term – chipping in with eight goals and five assists in all competitions.
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After 17 months his record was beaten by ex-Arsenal man PepeCredit: Getty
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Merino is now set to follow in Pepe’s footsteps and head to ArsenalCredit: Getty
And he carried his fine form into the European Championship where he played a key role in helping Spain lift the trophy for a record fourth time.
Merino featured in all seven of Spain’s matches and scored the winning goal against host nation Germany in the quarter-final in a thrilling 2-1 extra-time victory.
Should he make the move to the Emirates Stadium, it would see Arsenal fork out almost £100million on three players this summer.
Virgil van Dijk reveals there is not update on his contract situation at Liverpool and has not had an offer from the club
Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino, talkSPORT understands.
The midfielder, who was part of the Spain side who won Euro 2024, is set to move to north London in a deal worth £32million.
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Merino helped Spain win Euro 2024 earlier this summer where he played in all seven matchesCredit: Rex
Merino is keen to join the Gunners with terms agreed on a four-year contract with the option of a fifth year.
talkSPORT reported earlier this month how the north London giants entered negotiations with the Spanish side.
And Arsenal were boosted in their pursuit of the 28-year-old after he turned down a new contract offer from Sociedad.
With his deal at the Reale Arena to expire next summer, the LaLiga outfit know now is the time to cash in on the player.
The midfielder enjoyed his best season last term – chipping in with eight goals and five assists in all competitions.
And he carried his fine form into the European Championship where he played a key role in helping Spain lift the trophy for a record fourth time.
Merino, who spent the 2017/18 season at Newcastle, featured in all seven of Spain’s matches.
He even scored the winning goal against host nation Germany in the quarter-final in a thrilling 2-1 extra-time victory.
Should he make the move to the Emirates, it would see Arsenal fork out almost £100million on three players this summer.
Arsenal signed goalkeeper David Raya – Merino’s teammate on the international stage – for £27m after turning his loan spell from Brentford into a permanent stay.
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Arsenal are looking to bring Merino back to the Premier League following his stint at NewcastleCredit: Getty
And then they sealed a £38million deal to bring in versatile defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.
Should Arsenal secure the services of Merino, he could play alongside Declan Rice and skipper Martin Odegaard as part of a midfield three.
Arsenal Invincible Ray Parlour has already given his seal of approval over his former employers’ quest to nab the player.
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The talkSPORT pundit said: “Merino, he’s a top player, he’s played well for Spain and Real Sociedad.
“He’s a good age at 28, it’s perfect, he should be in his prime at that sort of time.
“And Arsenal have said, ‘at £25m [£30m], it’s a decent deal.’
“I think they have a good relationship with Real Sociedad anyway with [Kieran] Tierney going there on loan.”
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Arsenal are in advanced talks with Real Sociedad over the signing of Spain’s Euro 2024 winner Mikel Merino, talkSPORT understands.
Merino is keen to join the Gunners and there is optimism on both sides a deal can be struck for the £30million-rated former Newcastle midfielder.
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Merino helped Spain win Euro 2024 earlier this summer where he played in all seven matchesCredit: Rex
talkSPORT reported earlier this month how the north London giants entered negotiations with the Spanish side.
And Arsenal were boosted in their pursuit of the 28-year-old after he turned down a new contract offer from Sociedad.
With his deal at the Reale Arena to expire next summer, the LaLiga outfit know now is the time to cash in on the player.
The midfielder enjoyed his best season last term – chipping in with eight goals and five assists in all competitions.
And he carried his fine form into the European Championship where he played a key role in helping Spain lift the trophy for a record fourth time.
Merino, who spent the 2017/18 season at Newcastle, featured in all seven of Spain’s matches.
He even scored the winning goal against host nation Germany in the quarter-final in a thrilling 2-1 extra-time victory.
Should he make the move to the Emirates, it would see Arsenal fork out almost £100million on three players this summer.
Arsenal signed goalkeeper David Raya – Merino’s teammate on the international stage – for £27m after turning his loan spell from Brentford into a permanent stay.
And then they sealed a £38million deal to bring in versatile defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.
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Arsenal are looking to bring Merino back to the Premier League following his stint at NewcastleCredit: Getty
Should Arsenal secure the services of Merino, he could play alongside Declan Rice and skipper Martin Odegaard as part of a midfield three.
Arsenal Invincible Ray Parlour has already given his seal of approval over his former employers’ quest to nab the player.
The talkSPORT pundit said: “Merino, he’s a top player, he’s played well for Spain and Real Sociedad.
Throwback to Gary Neville’s brutal analysis of Arsenal three years ago as fans are quick to remind him of how wrong it was
“He’s a good age at 28, it’s perfect, he should be in his prime at that sort of time.
“And Arsenal have said, ‘at £25m [£30m], it’s a decent deal.’
“I think they have a good relationship with Real Sociedad anyway with [Kieran] Tierney going there on loan.”
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Arsenal could boast two different yet equally excellent starting XIs next season if they continue their impressive summer business.
The Gunners have already welcomed David Raya on a permanent deal and the new signing of Riccardo Calafiori so far this transfer window.
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Julian Alvarez is being targeted by Man City’s title rivals ArsenalCredit: Getty
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Arteta could finally help bring the Premier League title back to Arsenal next seasonCredit: Getty
Ahead of the new season, talkSPORT understands Mikel Arteta’s side are in talks with Real Sociedad for midfielder Mikel Merino.
We also reported earlier on Saturday that Arsenal have expressed an interest in signing Julian Alvarez from their Premier League title rivals Manchester City.
Alvarez, who was part of his nation’s Copa America-winning squad this summer, revealed that he’d be considering his City future, saying: “I haven’t stopped to think about what I’m going to do.
“Last season I was one of the players who played the most minutes in the team.
“But it’s true: in the end, in some important games, it’s not pleasant to be left out. I will have time to consider my decision.
“I haven’t stopped to think things through calmly. Once the Olympic Games are over, I will take the time to reflect on what I want for myself.
“Maybe it’s annoying to be out in big games; players always want to help on the pitch.”
The north London outfit will surely challenge for the crown yet again if they’re able to sign both, and talkSPORT.com has looked at two ways in which they could line-up with the potential new additions.
Raya is set to retain his spot as Arsenal’s first choice goalkeeper after keeping 20 clean sheets in all competitions last season on loan from Brentford.
Coming in as the new left-back could be Calafiori, who has joined in a deal from Bologna that could reach £38million with add-ons.
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Calafiori’s arrival has come as a huge boost to ArsenalCredit: Getty
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Merino could be set to add further quality to the GunnersCredit: Getty
Although the Italian international is most notably a centre-back, he has previously played as a full-back during his career.
One of the key reasons as to why Arsenal conceded the least goals in the Premier League last season – 29 – was their centre-back pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba.
The Brazilian and French duo have proven incredibly difficult to face on various occasions and are one of the best partnerships in football.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard admits he’s happy with the current Gunners squad when asked if the club will make any new signings after bringing in Ricardo Calafiori
Ben White will likely become the fourth centre-back to feature in the Arsenal backline having successfully moved into the right-back role under Arteta.
Sitting ahead of the defence to operate as their defensive midfielder will most certainly be Declan Rice.
He featured in all 38 of their league games last season, scoring an impressive seven goals and assisting a further nine.
Arsenal’s could be set to start two players in the no.8 role in front of Rice, with Sociedad star Merino possibly one of those included.
The 28-year-old, who previously played in the Premier League for Newcastle, starred for Spain during their Euro 2024 triumph and has a great eye for a pass in the middle of the park.
Club captain Martin Odegaard will likely play alongside him, with the Norwegian one of the best playmakers in the league.
He scored 11 goals and assisted another 11 in all competitions last season, with his creativity proving influential when the Gunners go forward.
Despite a difficult final few weeks in the previous campaign, Gabriel Martinelli could still be given the nod at left-wing by Arteta.
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Alvarez knows what it takes to win Premier League titlesCredit: Getty
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Here is one way that Arsenal could line-up for next season…
However, should Arsenal complete the signing of two-time Premier League champion Alvarez from City, the boss’ thinking could change.
Although an appearance of the left of the attack with the reigning champions isn’t the go-to, he has played there for Argentina.
Alvarez also boasts a strong right foot, so he would be able cut inside and fire towards goal should the opportunity arise.
The 24-year-old could also find himself starting in a central attacking role in Arsenal’s front three given his success there for City and his country.
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This is an alternative way that Arteta could organise his side…
Kai Havertz would likely be his strongest competition for that spot as he ended the 2023/24 campaign with 14 goals in all competitions despite his slow start.
Completing the line-up is their star man Bukayo Saka, whose 20 goals and 14 assists last season make him worthy of starting for any top club across Europe.
Arsenal start their season with a home clash with Wolves on Saturday, August 17.
Mikel Merino is the ‘perfect’ player to compliment Declan Rice in the heart of Arsenal’s midfield.
That is according to Gunners Invincible Ray Parlour, who has given his former employers his seal of approval in their pursuit of the Real Sociedad star.
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Merino helped Spain win Euro 2024 where he featured in all seven matchesCredit: Getty
talkSPORT understands that Arsenal and the LaLiga outfit are in talks regarding a summer transfer for the 28-year-old in a possible deal upwards of £25million.
Merino, who spent the 2017/18 season at Newcastle, featured in all of Spain’s Euro 2024 matches to help them lift the trophy in Germany.
And he could now slot into Mikel Arteta‘s line-up, with the club in the market for a new midfielder following Emile Smith Rowe’s move to Fulham.
Capable of playing as a left-sided No.8 or in a double pivot, it is expected he will play alongside Declan Rice and skipper Martin Odegaard should he sign.
Identified as the natural replacement for Granit Xhaka, who was sold to Bayer Leverkusen last year, Parlour believes a potential transfer would be a great bit of business.
Speaking on the talkSPORT Breakfast Show, Parlour insisted that his possible arrival could also signal the end of Thomas Partey‘s career in north London, while allowing Rice to continue to roam forward.
He said: “They’re looking at Thomas Partey, he might be on his way out, so they do need a little bit of strengthening in that midfield.
“It [Merino transfer] gives Declan Rice a little bit more license to go forward if you’ve got another holding midfielder in there.
“I know he plays like that for England in that holding role, but I like to see Declan get forward.
“And as I’ve said before, I’m a little bit of an old-fashioned midfielder, I like the box-to-box players.
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Arsenal are looking to bring Merino back to the Premier League following his stint at NewcastleCredit: Getty
“It’s just using your common sense as a midfielder, if someone runs past you that is playing alongside you and gets forward, you just fill in for him, and vice versa, it’s very, very straightforward.”
And Merino fits the bill in that regard, with the ex-Borussia Dortmund man chipping in with eight goals and five assists in all competitions last term.
Meanwhile, he showed his defensive abilities by winning the most duels out of any player in Europe’s top seven leagues last campaign with 326.
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Parlour continued: “Merino, he’s a top player, he’s played well for Spain and Real Sociedad.
“He’s a good age at 28, it’s perfect, he should be in his prime at that sort of time.
“And Arsenal have said, ‘at £25m, it’s a decent deal.’
“I think they have a good relationship with Real Sociedad anyway with [Kieran] Tierney going there on loan.”
Parlour then stated all that is missing now for Arsenal is to bring in a top centre-forward in the club’s quest to win a first Premier League title since 2004, which the ‘Romford Pele’ was a part of.
He remarked: “I’m sure if they can get in a No.9 as well, it gives them a great chance.
“But look, Man City will still be favourites to win the league.”
Arsenal could be set to splash the cash to continue their summer overhaul after their capture of Riccardo Calafiori.
The Gunners announced the versatile Italian defender as their second signing this window in a £38million transfer on Monday.
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Arteta is assembling a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League titleCredit: Getty
His arrival means the north London giants have forked out £65m after they turned David Raya’s loan spell from Brentford into a permanent switch for £27m.
And that figure is expected to break the £100m barrier and could even exceed £150m if Mikel Arteta has it his way.
Although he tried to play that down during the club’s pre-season tour.
“We don’t expect to do anything like it. That’s the reality,” Arteta said. “We have to wait and see the movements in the market. We have already identified the things that we can improve.
“We had the meetings in February, March, April. So if we can, we will strengthen the team. So far I’m really happy with what we have.”
talkSPORT understands that Arsenal are set to add to their transfer kitty with Emile Smith Rowe poised to join Fulham in a deal rising to £34million.
Once the Hale End graduate’s exit is confirmed, Arsenal would step up in their pursuit to sign a left-sided central midfielder, with £25m-rated Mikel Merino identified as Granit Xhaka‘s replacement – 12 months after his sale to Bayer Leverkusen.
This could see Declan Rice drop from his box-to-box role to feature as a No.6 – where he starred for West Ham and continues to be deployed on international duty with England.
And to complete what would be another hectic summer at the Emirates, a striker could be the last addition to the squad as Arsenal look to win a first Premier League title since 2004.
Italian media had suggested that Napoli marksman Victor Osimhen was on the club’s radar to provide competition for Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
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Calafiori has linked up with Arsenal from Bologna in a deal rising to £38million
However talkSPORT understands it is Chelsea who are advancing in talks to sign the Nigerian star over an initial season-long loan deal, which could lead to Arsenal making a move for Viktor Gyokeres.
Here talkSPORT.com takes a look at how Arsenal could line up against Wolves on August 17 if they managed to land their two top targets.
Spanish shot-stopper Raya will keep his place as the club’s No1 between the sticks having won the Golden Glove last campaign with 16 clean sheets.
Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal players welcome new signing Ricardo Calafiori from Bologna
Ben White will undoubtedly keep his spot at right-back having become one of the top-flight’s best full-backs since transitioning from a centre-back.
And Calafiori, who featured as a centre-back for Bologna last season and for Italy at Euro 2024, may play on the opposite side of defence.
Though it’s not a position that is unfamiliar to the 22-year-old, who played at left-back before his switch to Bologna in 2023.
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Raya proved to be a huge hit at the Emirates last seasonCredit: Getty
His arrival will mean that Jurrien Timber will likely be used as back-up cover, a blow for the Dutchman who was limited to just three appearances last season following an ACL injury.
Arteta would then partner William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes in the heart of the defence, with the duo widely considered to be one of the best centre-back pairings in Europe.
And Rice could then slot in as the lone defensive midfielder ahead of Thomas Partey, who continues to be linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia.
Despite starring in the No8 role in his opening year at Arsenal, the possible signing of Real Sociedad’s Merino would likely see the 28-year-old deployed there instead.
The ex-Newcastle man, who was part of Spain’s Euro 2024 winning squad alongside Raya, could help Arsenal’s attack down the left, with line-breaking passes a huge part of his game.
Boasting a similar style to Xhaka, this would especially help out left winger Gabriel Martinelli, who struggled in the absence of the Switzerland international.
Skipper Martin Odegaard would then complete the midfield three, with the Norwegian recognised as one of Europe’s top playmakers.
Bukayo Saka will almost certainly start on the right wing, despite yet to feature in pre-season so far, where he will be looking to better his 34 goal involvements from last term.
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Merino helped Spain win Euro 2024 where he featured in all seven matches in GermanyCredit: Getty
Martinelli may then get the nod over Leandro Trossard on the opposite flank having dazzled in the pre-season win over Manchester United.
And with Osimhen seemingly out of the equation for Arsenal, they may look to sign Sporting Lisbon centre-forward Gyokeres.
The Swedish striker, who joined the Portuguese outfit from Coventry last summer, chipped in with 43 goals and 15 assists in all competitions to fire his side to the league title.
Arsenal scouts watched him in action last campaign, and have even been keeping tabs on him this pre-season ahead of a potential switch.
But it remains to be seen whether they will activate his £86m release clause, or if they will be able to negotiate the fee down.
Should he end up at Arsenal, it is likely he will start above Havertz and Jesus to lead the line under Arteta.
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Gyokeres banged in goals for fun last season for SportingCredit: Getty
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This could potentially be Arsenal’s line-up next season should they secure their top targets
