Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta disagrees with Jamie Carragher's questions about Gunners star Mikel Merino, defending the Spanish international ahead of the Gunners' Champions League trip to Girona.

Merino joined from Real Sociedad over the summer after playing his part in Spain's run to Euro 2024 glory.

His start was delayed, though, as he picked up an injury in training before even stepping onto the pitch for his new club.

The 28-year-old has started to find his feet, scoring twice in 15 Premier League outings.

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Speaking in early January ahead of Arsenal's FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, Merino responded to comparisons with compatriots David Silva and Cesc Fabregas.

Both won the World Cup with Spain before lifting the Premier League title, and the former Real Sociedad star indicated there are some similarities and some differences.

“Obviously, I'm not a David Silva style of player.

But obviously, I'm not going to be the player who moves in the pocket like David Silva did or moves in the pocket like Iniesta did.

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