According to Football.London, Merino could replace Gyökeres as Arsenal's second-choice striker following Gyökeres' poor form.

Gyökeres has yet to score for Arsenal this season. Before Tuesday night's match against Ipswich, he had played only 100 minutes total, and his performance failed to convince Arteta to give him more opportunities. After the Carabao Cup match, the situation did not improve but worsened.

Havertz has been Arsenal's first-choice striker this season. Although Gyökeres was the top scorer last season when Arsenal ended their 22-year Premier League title drought, Havertz has already scored three goals this season, including two in the league and one in the Community Shield.

Gyökeres was given a chance to prove himself on Tuesday, but his performance was widely criticized, with accusations that he lacked intensity. Arsenal had 12 shots and scored 4 goals, while Gyökeres managed only 1 shot—a weak effort that was easily collected by Christian Walton. He also registered only 2 touches in the opponent's penalty area.

Gyökeres lost all 3 ground duels, failed to complete a successful dribble, and won only 1 of 3 aerial duels. In contrast, Merino, playing in midfield, contributed 1 goal and 1 assist, created 4 chances, and had 5 touches in the opponent's penalty area.

Merino played as a striker in 12 games during Havertz's injury absence in the 2024/25 season, scoring 6 goals and providing 3 assists. The Spanish midfielder has become a key player for both club and country, having won the Premier League title and the World Cup.

Merino wore the captain's armband on Tuesday night, and Arteta again praised the 30-year-old after the match. Arteta said: "He is incredible. First of all, he is one of the smartest players I have ever seen and worked with. His character is also outstanding—I don't know how to describe it. He always wants to give everything for everyone."

Arteta continued: "He thinks about everything and everyone. In addition to that, he possesses unique abilities both in football and within our team."

"His ability to receive the ball, occupy different spaces, play in different positions, and link up with teammates is excellent. As I said before, he showed another way to score tonight, which we have rarely seen recently, and it is equally impressive."

This raises the question of whether Merino should be ahead of Gyökeres in the striker pecking order. With three and a half months until the January transfer window opens, it is well known that Arsenal are interested in signing a striker.

Arsenal previously missed out on Julián Álvarez, and there were suggestions that Gyökeres could be included in related transfer negotiations, but the deal ultimately fell through. Football.London understands that Arsenal are also interested in Kroupi. The French player suffered a serious foot injury and will be sidelined for several months, but is expected to return before the winter window opens.

Gyökeres' performance remains in question, and he must perform better the next time he gets an opportunity.

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