Arsenal have unsung hero who has become undroppable as £32m decision pays off

Mikel Merino hasn't had it easy across his first season as an player since joining in a £32million transfer from Real Sociedad last summer. decision to prioritise Merino's arrival rather than upgrading his attacking firepower has been a source of dissension among supporters and external critics.

The Gunners' failure to turn draws into wins has allowed to run away with the title, while they have fallen short for a third consecutive season. However, Merino has turned the screw in recent weeks to flip the narrative and earn the appraisal of the masses as Arteta's makeshift striker. Injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus required a saviour, and the 28-year-old has filled the void and then some.

Merino has plundered six goals and registered a further five assists in his last 14 appearances, some of which have proven decisive.

He played a pivotal role in Arsenal's 5-1 aggregate victory against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Merino scored to round off the stunning 3-0 first-leg triumph at the Emirates Stadium before assisting both of the visitors' goals to silence the Bernabeu last week.

Arsenal are widely expected to sign the marquee striker Arteta requires this summer, with Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak among the candidates linked.

But the North London giants will take comfort in the Spanish midfielder having the quality to level up the engine room while also offering attacking cover.

Jamie Carragher is among the critics proven wrong by Merino over the past few months. In January, he said: "It is obvious where the frustration will be directed if they fall off the pace.

"Long-standing and justified concerns about a lack of firepower have not been addressed.

"Prioritising signing midfielder Mikel Merino ahead of another attacker last summer looks like a mistake. Merino is not a game-changer."

On Sunday, Merino returned to midfield as Arteta looks to be preparing for life without Thomas Partey against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals.

He won more duels (10) and more tackles (4) than any other player on the pitch in Arsenal's 4-0 rout at Ipswich Town.

Merino also pulled off a delightful heel-flick assist for Gabriel Martinelli, which was enough for Carragher to change his tune.

"I just look at Merino. He's been a revelation since he took on that striker role," the Liverpool icon explained on Sky Sports.

"I know he's deeper [in midfield] today, but in the last 13 games, he has six goals and four assists."

Carragher is not alone in performing a U-turn, and Merino will undoubtedly play a part in a renewed title challenge next season - whether that be in midfield or attack - if he continues on his current trajectory.