Mikel Arteta has promised Arsenal fans that summer signing Mikel Merino is destined to ‘deliver big things’ for his new team. The Gunners fought off competition from the likes of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona during the summer as they secured the services of the former Real Sociedad midfielder.

Arsenal went with a midfield three of Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Thomas Partey for Saturday’s defeat to Bournemouth - which was their first loss of the season. The Gunners are back in action against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night, hosting the Ukrainian side in the Champions League, and Arteta thinks the new midfield needs time to gel.

Arsenal: Mikel Arteta goalkeeper gamble has split the fanbase and risked the title race - Aaron Ramsdale has been dropped for David Raya, who has since endured a few shaky afternoons to prompt questio

Having lost ground in their challenge for the English Premier League title on Saturday, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be expecting his side to make amends in this UEFA Champions League match as they host Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal hosts Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League as the Gunners look for another three points in the league phase. Mikel Arteta's team last time out defeated Paris Saint-Germain at home moving up to four points in the campaign.