What Mikel Merino has already noticed about Christian Norgaard amid 'unbelievable' Arsenal claim

Mikel Merino says the amount of quality and talent Arsenal now have in midfield is "unbelievable" following their summer transfer business. Already boasting an extremely impressive midfield, Mikel Arteta's side have taken their options in the middle of the park to a new level altogether with the signings of Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard.

Zubimendi looks set to form an exciting midfield trio alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard that will strike fear into their opponents. Merino and Norgaard are further options for the Arsenal boss, most importantly giving Arteta plenty of strength and depth after a number of injuries last term.

Merino has hailed Arsenal's "amazing" work in the summer transfer market and he is hoping the Gunners can show everyone just how strong their squad is.

"It's unbelievable the amount of quality and talent that we have, not only in the midfield but in the whole squad. I think this is a great, great thing to have," Merino told football.london.

"It's not only pushing each other in every training session and every game to get better, but as well, we saw last year, and we have examples now, how important it is to have a long squad with every player available. Because injuries can happen, because rotations need to happen.

"I think the club has done an amazing job this summer and has been doing an amazing job for the past to bring big talent to this team. Hopefully this season we can show that we are a strong squad."

Zubimendi undoubtedly grabs the headlines when it comes to Arsenal's summer transfer business so far. Norgaard's move to the Emirates Stadium may not have come with the same level of fanfare compared to his fellow midfielder but he has earnt his transfer after playing such a key role for Brentford during their time in the Premier League.

Maybe a player who has gone under the radar with others at Brentford dominating the headlines, the Dane has already caught the eye of Merino in training and he believes he can have an integral role both on and off the pitch.

"Great impression. I think he's an absolute professional, already a veteran with a lot of experience, not only in football but in the league as well," outlined the midfielder.

"He's been in Premier League for a couple of years now. And you can see the calm and the composure he has, not only playing football but off the pitch.

"He can help a lot the young players that we have in the team, we have many young players as well, which is good. But you have to mix it up with some veteran players as well. I think we have a really good balance in our squad this year."

Merino proved to be a shrewd addition last summer after chipping in with some important goals in his role as an emergency striker in the club's hour of need. Whether he plays in his natural midfield role or he has to be used as a striker once again, he knows the importance of simply being ready.

"I'm excited to try to increase my level, to try to learn, to try to keep being important in the squad, whichever role it takes," he admitted. "Last season, as you said, it was a striker role and I think I adapted quite well to it.

"It's about being ready to be whatever the team needs you to be. Not only me but every player has the same mindset.

"If you have to be playing 20 minutes, you have to be ready for that, 90 for that. If you have to play as a striker or goalkeeper, just have the right attitude and I think that's what's going to make the difference."

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