Mikel Merino could hold key for Arsenal against Paris Saint-Germain, whether he plays as a striker or in midfield

28 April 2025, 10:33 | Updated: 29 April 2025, 06:11

Few would have believed it earlier this season, when there were questions around the wisdom of signing him, but Mikel Merino faces Paris Saint-Germain this week as one of the most important players to Arsenal's hopes of reaching the Champions League final.

The 28-year-old has excelled since being put up front by Mikel Arteta, providing six goals and four assists in 13 games, his best displays yet coming in the last-eight win over Real Madrid, when he scored in the first leg and set up both goals in the second. News of his return to training this week comes as a major boost.

Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka took most of the plaudits at the Bernabeu but Merino was just as good, his contribution rewarding the faith of his manager and calling to mind conversations with some of those who worked with him at boyhood club Osasuna.

"He never hides and is willing to confront difficult situations," Alfredo Sanchez, a former coach, told Sky Sports in August. "He is a boy who doesn't feel pressure and has the personality to step up in important games," added Miguel Flano, a former team-mate.

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