Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly considering another tactical solution to deal with the absence of Kai Havertz, with Mikel Merino emerging as a potential option to lead the Gunners’ attack.
Havertz’s absence has created another selection headache for Arteta, particularly because Arsenal have relied on the German international in different attacking roles since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium. With the forward unavailable, the manager must decide whether to change his preferred attacking structure or find a player within the squad capable of operating as a central striker.
Merino could now be given the opportunity to fill that role.
The Spanish midfielder has already demonstrated that he can contribute in advanced positions. Although his natural position is in midfield, his physical presence, intelligent movement and ability to attack crosses could make him an interesting temporary solution for Arsenal.
Arteta Searching for a Solution
Arteta has consistently emphasized the importance of having tactical flexibility within his squad. Injuries can force managers to make decisions they would not normally consider, and Havertz’s absence could provide another example of that philosophy.
Rather than immediately changing the entire structure of the team, Arteta could use Merino as a makeshift center forward while maintaining several of Arsenal’s familiar attacking principles.
Merino’s physical strength is one of the main reasons he could be considered for the position. The midfielder is comfortable competing against defenders, protecting the ball and attacking aerial deliveries.
Those qualities could be useful in the penalty area, especially when Arsenal face opponents defending with a compact low block.
The move would also allow Arteta to keep some continuity in midfield by using other players around Merino while giving the Spaniard freedom to make attacking runs.
Why Merino Could Work as a Striker
At first glance, playing Merino as a center forward may appear unusual because he has spent most of his career as a midfielder.
However, football managers often look beyond a player’s traditional position when injuries affect squad selection.
Merino possesses several characteristics associated with a modern striker.
He is tall, strong and capable of winning physical battles. He also has good movement around the penalty area and can arrive late into dangerous positions.
These qualities could make him particularly useful against teams that defend deep.
Instead of functioning as a conventional striker who constantly runs behind the defensive line, Merino could operate more as a target man. Arsenal’s wingers and attacking midfielders could then use his movement to create space for themselves.
His ability to bring teammates into play could also be important.
A striker does not necessarily have to score every attack. Sometimes, the ability to hold the ball under pressure and bring other players into the game can be equally valuable.
Arsenal’s Attacking Options
With Havertz unavailable, Arteta still has several possible solutions.
Arsenal could use a natural striker if one is available, move another attacking player into the central position or use a false-nine system.
However, Merino offers something different.
His presence could give Arsenal more physicality in the final third. Instead of trying to replicate Havertz’s exact style, Arteta could adapt the team’s approach around Merino’s strengths.
This could mean more crosses from wide areas, more attacking set pieces and more direct passes into the forward.
Players such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli could also benefit from having a physically strong player occupying the center of the opposition’s defense.
Merino could create space for them by drawing defenders toward him.
The Importance of His Movement
If Arteta decides to use Merino as a center forward, his movement will be one of the most important aspects of the experiment.
Merino would need to understand when to stay high, when to drop deeper and when to attack the space between the opposition’s center-backs.
His intelligence could help him adapt.
Rather than simply standing between the defenders, he could move across the frontline and create uncertainty.
When Arsenal’s wingers receive possession, Merino could make runs toward the near post or attack crosses at the far post.
His late runs could also become particularly dangerous because defenders may be more accustomed to tracking traditional strikers.
A Different Arsenal
Using Merino at center forward would naturally produce a slightly different Arsenal side.
Havertz has experience playing as both a striker and an attacking midfielder, while Merino’s natural instincts are more closely associated with midfield.
That means Arsenal may rely more heavily on collective movement.
The wingers, midfielders and full-backs would have to contribute to the goalscoring burden.
Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice and Arsenal’s wide players could be particularly important in supporting Merino around the penalty area.
The objective would not necessarily be to turn Merino into a permanent striker. Instead, the idea would be to find a temporary tactical solution until Arsenal’s attacking options become stronger again.
Merino’s Goal Threat
One of the most intriguing aspects of the potential decision is Merino’s ability to score from midfield.
The Spaniard has shown that he can arrive in the box at the right moment and attack dangerous areas.
Playing closer to goal could give him even more opportunities.
Rather than beginning attacks from deep midfield positions, Merino would spend more time around the opposition penalty area.
That could increase his chances of getting on the end of crosses, rebounds and cutbacks.
His aerial ability could also make Arsenal more dangerous from set pieces.
Corners and free-kicks could become an important source of goals if Merino is used as the central attacking reference.
Arteta’s Tactical Experiment
For Arteta, the decision would represent another tactical experiment designed to keep Arsenal competitive despite an important absence.
The manager has frequently demonstrated a willingness to move players into unfamiliar positions when circumstances demand it.
Merino’s potential deployment as a center forward would therefore fit into a broader philosophy of tactical adaptability.
The key question would be whether the midfielder can quickly adjust to the responsibilities of the position.
Training sessions would provide Arteta with an opportunity to assess Merino’s movement, finishing and understanding with the attacking players before making the final decision.
Arsenal Fans Will Be Watching Closely
The possibility of Merino starting as a center forward is likely to generate considerable discussion among Arsenal supporters.
Some fans may initially question the decision because Merino is primarily known as a midfielder.
Others may see it as an opportunity for the Spanish international to demonstrate another dimension of his game.
Football is full of examples of players succeeding after being moved into unfamiliar roles.
Merino’s physical attributes and technical quality give Arteta a foundation to work with, although the success of the experiment would ultimately depend on how effectively Arsenal adapt around him.
A Chance for Merino to Make His Mark
For Merino himself, the situation could represent an important opportunity.
Instead of simply being viewed as a midfielder, he could demonstrate his versatility by taking responsibility in one of the most demanding positions on the pitch.
A strong performance as a center forward could give Arteta another tactical option for future matches.
It could also demonstrate the value of having versatile players within the squad.
Arsenal’s ambitions require depth across multiple positions, and unexpected solutions can sometimes become valuable weapons during difficult periods of a season.
Conclusion
With Kai Havertz unavailable, Mikel Arteta may be preparing to explore an unconventional solution by deploying Mikel Merino as Arsenal’s center forward.
The Spanish midfielder offers physical strength, aerial ability, intelligent movement and a proven capacity to contribute in attacking areas.
Rather than attempting to replicate Havertz’s exact role, Arteta could build a slightly different attacking system around Merino’s strengths.
The experiment would require Arsenal’s wingers and midfielders to provide additional movement and goals, while Merino would be expected to occupy defenders, link play and attack the penalty area.
Whether the move becomes a successful short-term solution remains to be seen, but it highlights Arteta’s willingness to adapt when injuries force changes to his plans.
For Merino, meanwhile, the opportunity could be much more than an emergency assignment. It could be a chance to show Arsenal supporters that his versatility extends far beyond the midfield position.
