A prominent Arsenal account suggested that Merino, a central midfielder, had been identified as an 'emergency auxiliary striker' and could play further forward in Havertz's absence.
A different poster came up with another rogue shout, saying: "I'd rather Calafiori if we're gonna get weird with it," referencing the fact that the Arsenal defender used to play as a striker in his youth.
The Gunners were rocked on Wednesday morning when it emerged that Kai Havertz - the club's only recognised fit senior striker - would miss the rest of the campaign through injury after tearing his hamstring during a training session in Dubai.
While it remains to be seen who will get the nod to fill in up front, Arteta has made it clear the club were "disappointed" not to sign a striker in the January transfer window.
Havertz joins the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka on the sidelines and his absence will hit Arsenal hard in their bid to chase down Liverpool in the Premier League title race.
