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Pundit heaps praise on Arsenal star Mikel Merino

By on November 28, 2025

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Former forward turned pundit Paul Dickov has heaped praise on Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino.

The Gunners decided to purchase the Spaniard from Real Sociedad last year to add depth in the engine room. However, with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz remaining sidelined throughout the second half of last season, the 29-year-old provided cover in the centre-forward position.

Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres by spending a big fee last summer, and he displayed average performances before sustaining a muscular problem.

As Jesus and Havertz are still out injured, Merino, valued at around £31m by Transfermarkt, has been playing as an auxiliary striker once again in recent weeks, making four goal contributions in as many games.

Now, during a recent interview (via Metro), Dickov says that Merino is an ‘excellent’ player and is one of the ‘most underrated’ acquisitions the North London club have made in a long time.

He is flexible and physically strong. He occupies the opposition centre-backs, which has allowed Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka space to flourish in recent matches.

The pundit even urges Mikel Arteta to continue with Merino as striker against Chelsea this weekend, even if Gyokeres returns from his injury. Giving the Swedish international a few more times might be better for him rather than rushing him back.

Pundit lauds Merino

Dickov said:

“Merino has been excellent. I think he’s one of the most underrated signings Arsenal have made in a long time. The flexibility he’s got, playing in midfield and playing up top. I like him up top because he gives Arsenal physicality there.

“He occupies the centre-backs. That allows players like Eze and Saka a lot of space because the defenders are concentrating on Merino. Even if Gyokeres is fit, I’d be sticking with Merino for this game. Especially with it being away from home. Maybe give Gyokeres another week or so rather than rushing him back too quickly.”

Meanwhile, having finished second in the last three consecutive Premier League campaigns, the Gunners have been performing as if they are desperate to win the league title this campaign.

They are currently at the top of the table with 29 points from 12 matches, sitting six points ahead of second-placed Chelsea. On the other hand, having won all five games, Arteta’s side are currently at the top of the Champions League and are the only team with a 100% win rate in this competition this term.

Arsenal defeated Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich in the last two games and will face off against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday evening.