Mikel Merino Isn’t the Flashiest Signing, but Arsenal May Have Hit the Jackpot

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• Real Madrid's Blueprint for Success

• Arsenal May Have Hit the Jackpot with Mikel Merino

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Real Madrid's Blueprint for Success: The Strategy and People Shaping a New Era of Galacticos

It’s hard to overlook the strength of Real Madrid's current squad. Under Carlo Ancelotti’s new system, Kylian Mbappe leads the attack alongside Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, supported by Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde in midfield, with Aurelien Tchouameni as the anchor.

Though their 1-1 La Liga opener against Mallorca revealed some early challenges, the depth and talent of this team make Madrid's current situation a "good problem" to manage. With players like Endrick, Arda Guler, and Brahim Diaz waiting on the bench, Madrid’s offensive power is undeniable. What’s even more remarkable is the strategic planning and execution behind assembling this superstar squad, especially given that Madrid isn’t the top spender in European football.

The Master Plan: In 2009, when Florentino Perez returned as club president, he aimed to restore Madrid to its former glory. He spent €250 million on stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema, and Xabi Alonso, marking the peak of the club's "Galactico" era. While this seemed like a continuation of signing big-name players, Perez and Madrid's general manager, Jose Angel Sanchez, soon had to adapt to new market conditions driven by oil-rich clubs like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, and the financial muscle of Premier League clubs.

Realizing they could no longer dominate the market for established superstars, Madrid shifted their focus towards signing younger talents who could develop at the club. Players like Federico Valverde, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Eduardo Camavinga, and more were recruited in their early careers, with the intent to nurture them into world-class stars in Spain.

Madrid also honed in on "market opportunities," signing players nearing the end of their contracts or available as free agents, such as Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Kylian Mbappe.

The Recruitment Team: A key figure behind this strategy is Juni Calafat, who became chief scout after joining the club in 2013. Born in Spain and raised in Sao Paulo, Calafat's deep knowledge of South American football, along with his vast network of scouts, has helped Madrid sign numerous talents like Casemiro and Vinicius Junior.

Calafat's role extends beyond scouting; he builds strong relationships with players and their families, ensuring that Real Madrid stays ahead of rivals in securing promising talents. His work has garnered attention across Europe, with clubs like Arsenal poaching some of his key team members.

Once Calafat identifies a "generational talent," he passes the recommendation to Sanchez, who takes over negotiations and manages financial discussions. President Perez usually only steps in for high-profile signings, such as this year’s acquisition of Mbappe.

The Management Approach: Carlo Ancelotti, while a vital part of the club, does not hold significant sway in transfer decisions. Although he provides input, Madrid's recruitment decisions are largely handled by the board. For example, despite Ancelotti's requests for a Harry Kane replacement after Karim Benzema’s departure, the club did not act on it.

Madrid's philosophy is that while managers may come and go, the project and vision for the squad remain consistent. This approach has paid off with stars like Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham thriving under Ancelotti’s guidance.

Looking Ahead: Real Madrid continues to excel both on and off the pitch. Their financial stability, demonstrated through careful management even during the pandemic, coupled with 29 titles since 2010 (including six Champions League trophies), proves their strategy is working. Going forward, Madrid plans to stick with its winning formula, while remaining vigilant to new opportunities and market changes.

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Mikel Merino Isn’t the Flashiest Signing, but Arsenal May Have Hit the Jackpot

Euro 2024 brought several surprise stars to the forefront, from Austria's revitalized Ralf Rangnick to Ollie Watkins, who secured England a place in the final. Among these unexpected heroes was Spain’s Mikel Merino. The Real Sociedad midfielder etched his name into the tournament's history with a decisive, acrobatic header in Spain’s quarter-final win over Germany.

Now, Arsenal is betting on Merino’s quiet rise to make a difference in their squad after striking a £30 million deal to bring him to North London. Though the move may not generate the same excitement as other transfer headlines, Merino could be the key to Arsenal's midfield puzzle.

From Pamplona to Premier League Return: Born in Pamplona, Spain, Merino's football journey began with Osasuna, where he quickly ascended from the youth ranks to the first team, showcasing his maturity beyond his years. His impressive performances earned him a move to Borussia Dortmund in 2016. However, his time in Germany was short-lived, leading to a transfer to Newcastle United in 2017. Despite showing potential, Merino's time in England was cut short, but Real Sociedad would give him the opportunity to reignite his career back in Spain.

At Sociedad, Merino finally found his rhythm, helping the team lift the Copa del Rey and earning his first Spain cap in 2020. Since then, he has established himself as a key player for club and country, culminating in his unforgettable contributions during Euro 2024.

Arsenal’s Midfield Solution? Merino’s impending arrival has been met with mixed reactions. While not as glamorous as other midfield targets Arsenal pursued, the Spaniard offers qualities that could complement Mikel Arteta’s squad. His versatility as both a left-sided No. 8 and holding midfielder adds depth to Arsenal’s options. With Granit Xhaka gone and Declan Rice now a fixture, Merino’s defensive nous and physicality will provide the Gunners with a reliable alternative.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Merino’s aerial dominance is arguably his standout trait. In fact, he led all midfielders in aerial duels won across Europe's top five leagues last season. His presence will bolster Arsenal’s ability to deal with set pieces and crosses, both in defense and attack. Additionally, his aggressive tackling, particularly in the opponent’s half, gives Arsenal a unique advantage when pressing high.

However, Merino’s on-the-ball skills are an area for improvement. His passing accuracy and first touch can be inconsistent, especially when compared to the standards set by Arsenal’s current midfielders. His speed may also pose a concern when faced with faster Premier League forwards on the counterattack.

A Piece of the Puzzle: Merino is unlikely to dominate games on his own, but his signing could be a masterstroke for Arsenal. With the ability to spell Declan Rice in the holding role or fill in as a more defensive-minded No. 8, Merino offers Arteta flexibility. His physicality will bolster Arsenal's already formidable defense, while his work rate and positional intelligence could make him indispensable in key moments.

Though Merino may not grab headlines like other marquee signings, his presence could quietly elevate Arsenal as they push for the Premier League title, aiming to finally surpass Manchester City.

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