Mikel Arteta is preparing to unleash a “big threat” for the crunch Run.

Mikel Arteta could have been excused for not wishing any of his players to participate in international duty this month, given Arsenal’s luck with injuries this season. Last month, Arsenal suffered the loss of Martin Odegaard to an ankle

injury while he was playing for Norway. Additionally, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli both developed muscle issues while they were abroad with their respective countries last week.

Last Saturday, he served as a substitute for 28 minutes in the team’s 1-0 victory over Denmark. On Tuesday, he began and played for just over an hour in the team’s 3-0 victory over Serbia. Merino will be anticipating his complete Arsenal debut this weekend when they travel to Bournemouth, following his initial start for Spain this season. In his brief cameos thus far, the 28-year-old has provided Gunners supporters with a glimpse of his potential, and Arteta is enthusiastic about the future.

Merino’s 29 minutes against Southampton were comparable; however, Thomas Partey emerged victorious. Merino was also second in the number of interceptions made by Arsenal players in the 3-1 victory over Saints, and he was joint top in the number of blocks made. Arsenal has evolved into the most formidable defense in Europe under Arteta, and preliminary indications indicate that Merino will result in an even more formidable defense. Declan Rice’s position could also be affected by his arrival. Since the beginning of the year, Rice has been utilized on the left side of a midfield-three; however, it is possible that Merino will take up that position.

Rice’s position would be relegated to the base of the midfield, where he was initially anticipated to play when Arsenal acquired him last year, and Thomas Partey could potentially lose his position. Arsenal’s defense would be further fortified by Rice’s role as a No6, and their midfield would be more dynamic. This season, Partey’s performance has been inconsistent, particularly in the latter stages of games. Therefore, it is prudent to utilize him as a substitute. Odegaard is the concluding component of the midfield jigsaw, but Arteta will have to wait to pair him with Merino. The Norwegian is currently in the process of regaining his complete fitness; however, it should not be a significant challenge for him to regain his previous level of performance upon his return. Odegaard is acquainted with Merino from their time at Sociedad, and he encouraged him to join the club this summer. Merino will be determined to demonstrate the reasons why Odegaard and Arteta desired him to join Arsenal during a hectic schedule of forthcoming games, which includes matches against Chelsea, Liverpool, and Newcastle.