Arsenal's Midfield Depth Now 'Best in Football' Claims Mikel Merino
Arsenal's Mikel Merino has claimed that the addition of Bruno Guimaraes now means that the Gunners have 'the best midfield in football'. The Premier League champions have not rested on their laurels in the transfer market and seized on Guimaraes' desire to leave Newcastle.
The midfielder had been one of the leading lights at St James' Park ever since joining them from Lyon in 2022. It was the Brazilian who helped Newcastle win the Carabao Cup in 2025 and he was regularly discussed among the best midfielders in the Premier League.
He will join an Arsenal squad that has Spain's World Cup-winning duo Merino and Martin Zubimendi as well as talisman Declan Rice among their options. Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has been linked with a move away, is another pushing for midfield minutes.
Merino's versatility makes him a huge asset and he is thrilled to see Guimaraes join their ranks. He said: 'He has proved throughout these years how good he is at Newcastle. A lot of composure, technical ability, a lot of defensive effort as well. So it’s a very good signing. A top player, but we have many of those in this team. So everyone that comes to help the team is welcome.'
Quizzed on the strength of Arsenal's midfielder after their latest addition Merino claimed: 'Honestly, it’s unreal. Probably the best midfield in football. The amount of quality that we have there, with every player that can come on the pitch and make a good shift. It’s great. That’s good for the team. That’s good for the squad. It raises everyone’s level because if you have a bad day, the one that is close to you is going to do a great job. I think we have an amazing squad. The hunger is still there. Not because we won it last season, we’re going to be happy with it. We want more and more and more and we want every trophy possible. That’s the best quality of this team. Not only the amount of depth that we have, the quality that we have in every position, but that hunger.'
Guimaraes in Arsenal's biggest signing of the summer so far and Mikel Arteta remains open to doing business at both ends of the pitch. The Gunners have been linked with Jarell Quansah and Ezri Konsa as they eye defensive reinforcements. Victor Osimhen is the latest name they're eyeing in attack.
What comes next?
Arsenal are looking to continue their impressive form in the new season. With the signing of Guimaraes, they have added quality to their already impressive midfield. The team is looking to build on their success from last season and Mikel Arteta is confident that they have the depth and quality to achieve their goals.
Why it matters for Arsenal
The signing of Guimaraes is a significant boost for Arsenal. The midfielder has proven himself to be one of the best in the Premier League and his addition will only strengthen the team's midfield. The Gunners are looking to build on their success from last season and the signing of Guimaraes is a key part of that plan.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 1st in Premier League, 85 pts, 26W-7D-5L from 38 games, recent form WWWWW.
The team is currently 7 points clear of Manchester City and is looking to continue their impressive form in the new season. With the signing of Guimaraes, they have added quality to their already impressive midfield and are looking to build on their success from last season.
