Mikel Merino makes 'best in the world' claim after Arsenal's latest transfer move

Mikel Merino makes 'best in the world' claim after Arsenal's latest transfer move

Arsenal's Mikel Merino has seen Bruno Guimaraes add further quality to the midfield and the World Cup winner now believes they boast the world's best depth

Mikel Merino has claimed that the addition of Bruno Guimaraes now means that Arsenal have "the best midfield in football" with the £75million signing adding even more quality.

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.

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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.

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