Arteta praises Merino's debut as he made an immediate impact following his summer signing.

After much anticipation, Mikel Merino finally made his debut for Arsenal in the Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners emerged victorious with a 2-0 win, but it was Merino's performance that caught the attention of many, including his coach Mikel Arteta.

Arteta was quick to praise Merino's impact on the game, especially considering the midfielder had been Arteta's top target for the summer transfer window. Despite interest from other top clubs like Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, it was Arsenal who secured Merino's signature.

Unfortunately, Merino's start at his new club was met with a setback when he suffered a shoulder injury during his first training session, thanks to an unfortunate accident with teammate Gabriel Magalhaes. But the Spanish international proved to be a quick healer, and fans were finally able to see what he could bring to the team in a 20-minute appearance in the second half of the match.

Merino's substitution came at a crucial moment, as PSG was making a strong comeback attempt. But the 28-year-old showed his worth by helping to protect Arsenal's two-goal lead and displaying the tenacity and determination that convinced the club to invest heavily in him.

Arteta was all praises for Merino, saying, "He joined us but got injured in his first training session. He had only one session with us, but he was determined to be a part of this game. With the injuries and changes we had to make, we believed he was the player who could help us in that phase. And he did really well."

Meanwhile, another new signing, Riccardo Calafiori, also had an impressive outing. The Italian defender, who has already gained a cult following among Arsenal fans, was forced to play in both full-back positions due to Arteta's decision to sub off Jurrien Timber at half-time as a precaution.

"Calafiori has the ability to play in different positions, and he's very comfortable with that. He has done it before in Italy, and that's why we signed him," Arteta explained. "He's an excellent defender, full of energy and commitment, and he showed that in his performance. He's a brave player who is not afraid to take risks and make things happen on the field."

Overall, it was a positive night for Arsenal, with both their new signings making a strong impression. Fans can expect to see more from Merino and Calafiori as they settle into their new club and continue to showcase their talents.

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