MIKEL Merino is “ready” to slot into Arsenal’s midfield and play a pivotal role in the chase for the title, the Arsenal boss has said.

The imposing midfielder has fought back from injury and made his debut in the “statement” win against Paris St Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday.

At 6ft 2, Merino is the latest muscle brought in to an already stacked defensive unit that is fast becoming the envy of world football.

Speaking after the 2-0 win against PSG, Arteta said: “He had only one session with us, he was ready, he was really willing to be part of this today and obviously with the injuries and changes we had to make. We believe that he was the player that could help us in that phase.”

Merino, who got injured in his first training session after arriving in the summer, was part of the Spain team that won the 2024 Euros. At Real Sociedad he played as a traditional “No 8”.

Brought on for Thomas Partey, he is expected to create a new midfield dynamic so that Declan Rice can star in a more attacking role.

Without injured creative maestro Martin Odegaard pulling the strings in attacking midfield, picking apart well-drilled defences in open play has proved a problem. Arteta has already heaped praise on Rice’s calm ability to run with the ball, and sees him as a player who can pick a pass.

He said: “We have to understand the context of games that we played, for example last Saturday [against Leicester] when we played here he was very dominant with the ball. I think he created one of the best starts in the Premier League.

“But obviously we play different contexts and this player has got the capacity to play different games and still be very, very important for the team. Today we used him as a 6 in the second half, it’s a great quality that he has as well, he gives us so much.”

Arsenal are brimming with optimism and confidence after some solid performances against tough opposition in Europe and the Premier League. Fans are loving their battling qualities and some of the defending has been a joy to watch.

There is a growing sense that this team is mentally strong enough to see out matches, even against tough European opposition.

Betting firms are already tipping Arsenal as clear favourites to win a first title in 21 years – despite currently sitting third in the table.

Speaking of a new atmosphere in the changing room, Arteta said: “I sensed them differently yesterday as well, when we were preparing the game and how they wanted it, the level of focus. I think they wanted to prove a point tonight against a top team at home, be ourselves and be very dominant as well. It’s another step.”

Arsenal face Southampton in the Premier League at home on Saturday at 3pm.