Mikel Merino’s football journey began at Osasuna, where he initially donned the number 32 jersey. However, in the 2014/15 season, he switched to the number 8, a number he retained until his move to Borussia Dortmund in 2016 for a transfer fee of €3.75 million. At Dortmund, Merino was assigned the number 24 shirt.
After spending a season in Germany, Merino transferred to Newcastle United, where he was handed the number 23 jersey. This number holds significance in his career and could potentially become his number again if he were to join Arsenal.
In 2018, Merino made a move to Real Sociedad for a fee of €12 million. Since then, he has worn the number 8 jersey at the club. This transfer followed his brief stint in the Premier League, and Merino has continued to make an impact at Sociedad with this number.
If Merino were to join Arsenal, the number 8 jersey, which he is accustomed to, would not be available as it is currently worn by Martin Odegaard. There were speculations that Odegaard might switch to the number 10 if Emile Smith Rowe were to be sold to Fulham. However, with the season already underway, it seems unlikely that Odegaard will change his number.
With Smith Rowe’s departure, the number 10 jersey has become the lowest available number in Arsenal’s first-team squad, which could be an option for Merino. However, it may not be the most suitable fit for him. Other available numbers include 13, which might be assigned to Joan Garcia if Arsenal sells Aaron Ramsdale, and 14, which could become available if Eddie Nketiah is sold.
Additionally, Jakub Kiwior’s uncertain future at the club and Reiss Nelson’s number 23 could also present opportunities, though these transfers seem unlikely to be completed before Merino’s potential arrival in London.
The numbers 16 and 23, which Merino previously wore at Newcastle, are also available. Given his history with the number 23, it seems likely that he will choose between the number 10 and 23 jerseys if he joins Arsenal.
Leave a Reply