'What Mikel Arteta has done to Arsenal dressing room is something I've never seen before'

Mikel Merino has been full of admiration for describing him as a truly unique manager. Since making the switch from to last summer, the 28-year-old has emerged as the Gunners' go-to utility player, filling in seamlessly across midfield and even stepping up as a striker during a season plagued by injuries.

He's also delivered in front of goal, scoring four times in his last seven games - a tally that would earn respect from many natural forwards. But for Merino, it's not only Arteta's tactical bravery that impresses - it's his holistic approach to coaching, on and off the field.

Speaking to the Spain international said: "I'm learning a lot with him. Here, I've done things I've never worked on in my career before, which are helping me understand another way of seeing football."

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"Arteta is a very complete coach. He's taken the best from Guardiola: he wants to dominate, control the game, subdue opponents and limit their attack.

"Then, he has his own methodology for training and approaching matches, which is what makes great coaches. They take the best from everywhere, adapt it and convey it to their players. He's one of the best coaches in the

Arsenal now look set for a third straight second-place finish in the Premier League under Arteta. With just seven matches left and an 11-point gap behind leaders time is running out for a dramatic title push.

Nevertheless, Merino believes Arteta has instilled a title-winning mindset at the club - one that puts silverware at the core of everything they do. "It's the first time I'm in an environment where titles are pursued, and that's openly discussed," he said.

"It speaks volumes about the club's mentality. Arsenal aren't a team built to come second; that's not acceptable here. The mentality is about winning titles, and we need to use that demand and frustration from not having done so yet as fuel. The more we try, the closer we'll get; hopefully, it'll be this year."

Arsenal are also still alive in their quest for a maiden triumph, but the road is anything but smooth. First up: a high-stakes quarter-final meeting with with the first leg set to unfold at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

If they advance past the Spanish giants, a likely semi-final battle with - who recently outclassed over two legs - could follow. Beyond that, a potential final against powerhouse clubs like or awaits.

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