Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino believes the Gunners are ready to compete for a historic Premier League and Champions League double, insisting Mikel Arteta's squad have the quality and mentality to challenge for every major trophy this season.
The reigning English champions have made an impressive start to their title defence, winning nine of their opening 10 matches across all competitions.
Their latest Champions League victory over Lille extended an extraordinary winning sequence in the competition's league phase, strengthening Merino's belief that Arsenal can finally secure European football's biggest prize.
Merino reveals Arsenal's ambition to win every trophy
Arsenal ended their 22-year wait for the Premier League title last season, but Merino insists the squad have no intention of settling for domestic success.
The Spain international believes Arteta has established a mentality in which competing for multiple trophies is an expectation rather than an ambition.
Speaking to ESPN following Arsenal's European victory, Merino highlighted the significance of the club's remarkable Champions League form.
"It is an absolutely unbelievable run. We know that we're making history," he said.
"At the same time, we know how difficult it is to win games, so we give a lot of value and credit to the team for what we're doing."
Merino then made Arsenal's objectives clear.
"The goal and objective is to win the Champions League, to win the Premier League, to win everything. That's what the manager wants. That's what the fans want. That's what we as players want, too."
Arsenal's only defeat this season came in a 3-0 loss away to Brighton, leaving them three points behind Manchester City in the Premier League standings.
Their European performances have been more consistent, with the victory over Lille making it 14 consecutive wins in the Champions League league phase across nearly two years.
Champions League disappointment strengthens Arsenal belief
Arsenal's determination to conquer Europe has been shaped by last season's narrow Champions League elimination against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Gunners suffered a painful penalty shoot-out defeat, but Merino believes that experience demonstrated how close Arteta's team are to achieving their continental ambitions.
Asked whether Arsenal are now equipped to complete the Premier League and Champions League double, the midfielder offered an emphatic response.
"Absolutely. This is our mentality and the aim. We were so, so close last season. That proved to us that we are ready for it."
"Now it's about details. It's about being present and ready in the right moments, and of course we believe that."
His comments reflect the growing confidence within Arsenal's squad, although their domestic title defence remains competitive with Manchester City currently ahead in the standings.
Maintaining their Champions League form while navigating the demands of the Premier League will be central to their pursuit of both trophies.
Arteta provides Zubimendi and Hincapie injury updates
Arsenal's ambitions will face an important test over the coming days, with challenging away fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Bayern Munich.
Arteta has received encouraging news regarding midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who is recovering from an ankle problem sustained in training following the victory over Leeds United.
"Zubi is much, much better," Arteta confirmed.
The outlook is less positive for defender Piero Hincapie, whose injury could keep him sidelined for several weeks.
"Piero is improving, but it looks more significant. I think it will be a matter of weeks [before he is available], but we don't know exactly how many."
Zubimendi's potential return would provide Arsenal with an important midfield option before their trip to Germany, where Bayern Munich will present another significant examination of their European credentials.
Key Points
- Mikel Merino believes Arsenal are capable of winning both the Premier League and Champions League this season.
- Arsenal have won nine of their first 10 matches across all competitions.
- The Gunners have recorded 14 consecutive Champions League league-phase victories.
- Merino says last season's European disappointment against PSG strengthened the squad's belief.
- Martin Zubimendi is recovering well from an ankle injury, while Piero Hincapie could miss several weeks.
What’s Next?
Arsenal travel to Nottingham Forest this weekend as they look to close the three-point gap to Premier League leaders Manchester City.
Arteta's side then face Bayern Munich in Germany next week, seeking a 15th consecutive Champions League league-phase victory.
Zubimendi's fitness will be monitored ahead of both fixtures, while Hincapie's absence could require adjustments to Arsenal's defensive options during a demanding period.
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *