Is Arsenal's Star the Premier League's Most Underrated Signing?

Arsenal's substantial investment in players, exceeding £1 billion under Mikel Arteta, has been highlighted by the recent signing of Mikel Merino, who is being hailed as the ‘most underrated signing of recent years’ in the Premier League. With a transfer fee of £31.6 million from Real Sociedad, Merino has made significant contributions both in midfield and as a forward, helping Arsenal maintain a strong position in the league and Champions League.

Last updated: 03 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Arsenal currently sits atop the Premier League table and joint-top in the Champions League. Their success is attributed to a series of strategic signings, including Merino, who has emerged as a crucial player, especially during injury crises. His ability to adapt and score has garnered praise from football analysts and former players. With the club's recent strong performances, attention is now turning to their upcoming fixtures, which are considered pivotal in the context of their title aspirations.

Key takeaways

Arsenal has spent over £1 billion on players under Mikel Arteta.
Mikel Merino is recognized as a key yet underrated signing, costing £31.6 million.
Merino's versatility has helped Arsenal during injury crises, scoring nine goals last season.
The team currently leads the Premier League and is performing well in the Champions League.
Upcoming matches against Tottenham, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea will be critical for Arsenal's title chase.

Timeline: how we got here

Arsenal's path to their current season's success has been marked by a series of strategic decisions and investments:

Summer 2024: Arsenal signs Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad for £31.6 million.
September 2024: Arsenal's injury crisis begins, pushing Merino to adapt as a forward.
October 2024: Merino scores nine goals during the injury-hit season, proving crucial to the team's performance.
November 2024: Arsenal leads the Premier League and is joint-top in the Champions League.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent discussions have focused on the underrated nature of Mikel Merino’s contributions to the team, as highlighted by ex-player Paul Dickov. His performance has been particularly noteworthy given the context of recent signings and the overall strategic direction of Arsenal.

What was already established

Arsenal's strategy of investing heavily in player acquisitions has been ongoing since Mikel Arteta took over as manager. The club's spending has consistently aimed at improving squad depth and quality, which is reflected in their current league positions and performances.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Arsenal's success on the pitch can have positive implications for local businesses and the community. Increased matchday attendance boosts revenue for local vendors, while the club's performance can elevate the overall profile of the area, attracting tourism and investment.

Businesses and jobs

The influx of talent and sustained success can lead to increased merchandise sales and sponsorship deals, benefiting both the club and associated businesses. Additionally, successful seasons often lead to job creation within the club and surrounding enterprises.

Policy and regulation

As Arsenal progresses, potential policy implications may arise concerning financial fair play regulations and transfer market dynamics. The club's spending patterns may attract scrutiny regarding compliance with existing rules designed to maintain competitive balance in the league.

Numbers that matter

£1 billion: Total amount Arsenal has spent on players under Mikel Arteta.
£31.6 million: Transfer fee for Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad.
9: Goals scored by Merino last season in a makeshift forward role.
10: Total international goals scored by Merino for Spain, with eight in 2025 alone.
4: Points lead Arsenal holds at the top of the Premier League.

Definitions and jargon buster

Transfer Fee: The amount of money a club must pay to acquire a player from another club.
Premier League: The top tier of English football, consisting of 20 teams.
Champions League: An annual club football competition organized by UEFA, featuring the top teams from various European leagues.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, Arsenal faces crucial matches that will test their squad depth and resilience. Success in these fixtures will be vital for maintaining their lead in the league.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, Arsenal's ability to sustain their performance levels will be key. Injuries or dips in form could impact their title challenge, and the management will need to navigate these challenges effectively.

Signals to watch

Performance in key matches against rivals such as Tottenham, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea.
Injury updates and squad fitness levels, particularly concerning key players like Merino and Gyokeres.
Market activity during the January transfer window, which could impact squad dynamics.

Practical guidance

Do

Monitor Arsenal's injury reports and player performances closely.
Engage with local businesses during match days to support the community.
Follow the team's progress in both the Premier League and Champions League for updates on their performance.

Don’t

Underestimate the impact of squad depth on Arsenal's title challenge.
Dismiss the importance of underrated players like Merino in the context of team success.
Overlook the significance of upcoming fixtures in shaping the remainder of the season.

Checklist

Verify player fitness and availability ahead of matches.
Assess the impact of new signings on team performance.
Check local event schedules for match days to enhance community engagement.
Stay updated on transfer news as the January window approaches.
Evaluate Arsenal's performance against rivals during key fixtures.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Arsenal's current form is impressive, football remains unpredictable. Injuries, form dips, or unexpected losses could alter the trajectory of their season. The pressure of competing on multiple fronts can also strain player fitness, and the success of new signings may vary. Additionally, the impact of refereeing decisions and fixture congestion could influence outcomes in crucial matches.

Bottom line

Arsenal's investment in players has clearly paid dividends as they strive for success in both the Premier League and Champions League. With the spotlight on Mikel Merino as a surprise star and key upcoming fixtures looming, the team's ability to maintain their performance amidst challenges will be critical in determining their fate this season.

FAQs

Why is Mikel Merino considered underrated?

Mikel Merino is praised for his versatility and ability to adapt to different roles, particularly during injury crises, making significant contributions despite not being among the most high-profile signings.

How much have Arsenal spent on transfers under Arteta?

Arsenal has spent over £1 billion on player transfers since Mikel Arteta took charge, highlighting their commitment to building a competitive squad.

What are Arsenal's upcoming fixtures?

Arsenal's next matches include a north London derby against Tottenham, followed by a Champions League clash with Bayern Munich and a league match against Chelsea, all of which are crucial for their title aspirations.