Mikel Arteta says Mikel Merino could keep his place as Arsenal ’s No9, even when all their strikers are back fit.

Midfielder Merino has been filling in up front in recent weeks because the Gunners have been hit by injuries in attack.

The Spaniard has started the last six games for Arsenal and has excelled during that run.

Merino has scored four goals and Arteta has hinted that he could keep his place, despite Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus both now being fit. Kai Havertz is still out after a setback in his recovery from knee surgery .

“I think he [Merino] has earned, at least, the thinking behind it for the way he’s performing and the impact that he’s bringing to the team, so that’s a yes,” said Arteta.

Merino will hope to keep his place on Saturday when Arsenal head to Ast

See Full Page