“There is still a long way to go to achieve that” - Arsenal summer signing Mikel Merino outlines his ‘ultimate goal’ following Emirates switch 

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has said that his ultimate goal at the Emirates would be to win the UEFA Champions League. The Spain international moved to north London from Real Sociedad last summer for a reported fee of €38.5 million.

After missing the early games of the campaign due to a shoulder issue, Merino seems to have gotten accustomed to the Gunners midfield. He made his first start for Mikel Arteta's team in their Premier League loss to Bournemouth on Saturday (October 19).

Now, the 28-year-old looks poised to start his team's upcoming Champions League fixture against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday (October 22). With Martin Odegaard injured, Merino will be expected to play a slightly advanced midfield role.

Speaking about his ambition of wanting to win Europe's highest club competition, the Spaniard said (via @DailyAFC):

"Winning the Champions League here would be amazing. There is still a long way to go to achieve that. We have the basics, the players, we have the mentality, that has to be the ultimate goal."

Mikel Arteta's side do look strong contenders for the Champions League this season. From their first two games in the competition this year, Arsenal have won and drawn a fixture each. Last campaign, the Gunners made it to the quarter-finals of the tournament, where they were eliminated by Bayern Munich.

Merino will be expected to play a key part if his team is to make it deep into the competition this year.

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Mikel Merino reacts to Arsenal's defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League

Mikel Merino

Mikel Merino also said he's glad to have a fixture coming up fairly soon following the defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday. This loss to the Cherries marked the Gunners' first defeat in all competitions this season.

However, the north London side were required to play most of this match with 10 men after William Saliba was sent off in the first half. Speaking about bouncing back from this disappointment, Merino said (via the club's official website):

"It’s always good when you lose a game [to play another game quickly], it’s always bad when you win because this is football nowadays, you don’t have time to think about the last game, about the last action."

Arsenal don't have much time between matches this week, with an important league tie scheduled next weekend after their midweek encounter. The Gunners host league-leaders Liverpool at the Emirates on Sunday (October 27).