Arsenal midfielder-turned-striker Mikel Merino is being compared to a Premier League cult hero after the Spaniard scored twice in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Leicester City.
Arsenal are dealing with a striker shortage after Kai Havertz suffered a season-ending hamstring injury during their training camp in Dubai.
With only Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri, and Raheem Sterling available in attack, Mikel Arteta had to make tactical adjustments in their recent match against Leicester. After struggling offensively, he replaced the underperforming Sterling with midfielder Mikel Merino in the final 20 minutes—a move that proved crucial.
Merino, a £28.4 million signing from Real Sociedad, scored twice late in the game to secure a vital win, drawing comparisons to Marouane Fellaini, who was often used as an attacking option in the closing stages of matches. Fans were quick to highlight the similarities, praising Arteta’s decision.
Meanwhile, defender William Saliba, who played as a striker in his youth, has expressed his readiness to step up if needed. Arteta acknowledged the squad’s injury crisis and hinted at exploring unconventional solutions to fill the gap.
Thanks to Merino’s heroics, Arsenal remain firmly in the title race, sitting just four points behind league leaders Liverpool.
