MERINO'S MISSION

Arteta insists Spaniard is clicking into gear

- JOHN CROSS

MIKEL MERINO is already making “big strides” into becoming a vital player in Arsenal’s midfield.

Merino, 28, is taking time to win over the fanbase after his £32m move from Real Sociedad last summer.

But Gunners boss Mikel Arteta insists that the Spanish star will make an even bigger impact with more games and minutes under his belt.

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 semi-final tonight.

But for a player who won the Euros last summer, the 6ft 2in midfielder looks more English than Spanish with his playing style. More physical than finesse.

There is definitely a player there but Arsenal have yet to get the best out of him. 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.