Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal summer signing making "big strides" after slow start Mikel Merino is already making “big strides” into becoming a vital player in Arsenal ’s midfield.
But Gunners boss Mikel Arteta insists that Merino will make an even bigger impact with more games and minutes under his belt after a stuttering start to his Arsenal career.
Merino, 28, is taking time to win over the Arsenal fanbase after his move from Real Sociedad in a £32m deal last summer.
Spain international Merino has scored twice and provided one assist in 13 appearances in the Premier League and is set to start against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup.
And Arteta has suggested that might be because he arrived later in the window and then missed the first few weeks after breaking his shoulder in his first training session.
