Former professional footballer Paul Dickov has made a compelling case for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to stick with in-form midfielder Mikel Merino rather than rushing back £64 million striker Viktor Gyokeres for this weekend's crucial Premier League clash against Chelsea.
Selection Headache for Arteta
The Gunners face a significant team selection dilemma ahead of Sunday's trip to Stamford Bridge, with summer signing Gyokeres expected to be available after recovering from a muscle injury. The Swedish international has been sidelined for Arsenal's last four matches, during which Merino has emerged as a surprisingly effective attacking option.
Dickov, speaking exclusively to Metro via Casino Groups, emphasised that Merino's recent performances deserve reward, describing the Spanish midfielder as "one of the most underrated signings Arsenal have made in a long time."
Merino's Impressive Impact
Despite primarily being a midfielder, Merino has started Arsenal's last four games in a more advanced role, making a substantial contribution with two goals and two assists during this period. His versatility has provided Arteta with valuable tactical flexibility, particularly during Gyokeres' absence.
Arsenal paid an initial £55 million to sign Gyokeres from Sporting CP during the summer transfer window, with potential add-ons taking the total fee to £64 million. The striker's return to fitness creates a welcome selection problem, but Dickov believes sticking with Merino is the smarter choice.
Dickov's Tactical Analysis
The former Manchester City and Leicester striker explained his reasoning in detail: "I like him up top because he gives Arsenal physicality there. He occupies the centre-backs. That allows players like Eze and Saka a lot of space because the defenders are concentrating on Merino."
Dickov specifically addressed the timing of Gyokeres' potential return: "Even if Gyokeres is fit, I'd be sticking with Merino for this game. Especially with it being away from home. Maybe give Gyokeres another week or so rather than rushing him back too quickly."
Madueke's Chelsea Return
Dickov also weighed in on another selection decision facing Arteta, advocating for winger Noni Madueke to start against his former club. The 23-year-old made his return from a knee injury in the 4-1 victory over Tottenham, coming off the bench for the final 12 minutes.
Madueke, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea in July, was again named as a substitute in the midweek Champions League win over Bayern Munich but was introduced in the 38th minute after Leandro Trossard's injury and subsequently scored.
Dickov believes Madueke's recent contribution warrants a starting role: "Yeah, I think so. That goal [against Bayern Munich] will give him a lot of confidence. He started the season very, very well at Arsenal after a lot of people questioned the signing and then unfortunately he got injured."
The pundit also highlighted the narrative surrounding players facing their former clubs, adding: "He came on last night and got his goal – not a bad time to get it going back to his old stomping ground. There's always a story there when players go back to their old clubs. I've been there many times myself."
With both Merino and Madueke pushing for starting roles, and Gyokeres potentially available for selection, Arteta faces one of his most intriguing team selection decisions of the season so far as Arsenal prepare for their London derby against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
