Mikel Merino has challenged Arsenal to dream big this season, insisting Mikel Arteta’s side have the mentality and quality to win the quadruple after their impressive start to the campaign.
The Gunners have made an emphatic statement across competitions, winning eight of their opening nine matches, with their latest success coming in a commanding 3-0 Champions League victory over Lille.
Arsenal’s European form has been particularly impressive. They have maintained a perfect record in the competition this season and gone 10 consecutive Champions League matches without conceding from open play, underlining the defensive resilience that has become a defining feature of Arteta’s team.
For Merino, however, the objective stretches beyond maintaining that remarkable run. The Spanish midfielder believes Arsenal must approach the campaign with the ambition of competing for every available trophy.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the victory over Lille, Merino praised the team’s achievements while acknowledging the challenge of sustaining their level throughout a demanding season.
“It’s an unbelievable run,” Merino told Sky Sports after the win over Lille. “We know we’re making history in the competition.
“At the same time we know how difficult it is to win games. We keep a lot of value and credit in the team for what we’re doing.
“The goal is to win the Champions League, the Premier League, to win everything. That’s what the manager wants. That’s what the fans want. That’s what we as players want as well.”
Arsenal’s early-season performances have strengthened belief that they can compete on multiple fronts, with their defensive solidity and attacking threat providing encouraging signs for the months ahead.
Yet winning four major trophies in one campaign remains an enormous challenge. The Premier League demands consistency over a long season, while the Champions League and domestic cup competitions leave little room for mistakes once the decisive stages arrive.
Merino is nevertheless convinced that Arsenal have reason to believe they can achieve something special, pointing to last season’s narrow misses as evidence that the squad is capable of taking the final step.
When asked whether winning the quadruple was a realistic target, the midfielder gave an emphatic response.
“Absolutely. This is the mentality. This is the aim. We were so, so close last season and that proved to us we are ready for it.
“Now it’s about details, being present and ready in the right moments. And we believe that.”
Those comments reflect the ambition within Arsenal’s dressing room as the club look to turn consistent progress into silverware.
Arteta has spent recent seasons building a side capable of challenging the strongest teams in England and Europe. The current squad now appears determined to convert that development into trophies, rather than settle for being competitive without delivering the biggest prizes.
Merino’s emphasis on details could prove crucial. With matches arriving thick and fast across different competitions, Arsenal will need to manage injuries, maintain concentration and deliver under pressure when the stakes are highest.
Their perfect Champions League start has provided an early boost, while their strong opening results have helped establish momentum in the Premier League.
However, the real test will come when the schedule becomes more demanding and the margins for error narrow.
For now, Merino is making Arsenal’s intentions clear. The Gunners are not simply aiming to win one trophy; they want to challenge for everything.
Whether they can complete the historic quadruple remains to be seen, but their midfielder believes last season’s near misses have given them the experience and conviction needed to pursue that ambition.
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