Mikel Merino should start for Arsenal vs Leeds, the data is making up Mikel Arteta's mind

Mikel Arteta should start Mikel Merino in attack when Arsenal take on Leeds as club football returns this weekend.

Arteta is contending without key man Kai Havertz as Arsenal continue their title push against Leeds on Saturday.

The 27-year-old was forced to pull out of the Germany squad during the international break after suffering a hamstring injury against the Netherlands.

He is expected to be sidelined for several weeks, with Arteta now given a huge decision to make against the Whites.

All of the stats and current form point towards Merino being the solution to their striker issues ahead of Viktor Gyokeres.

Both players have impressed over the break, but the 30-year-old would be the better option as the Gunners aim to put Leeds to the sword.

Mikel Merino is in fine attacking form and has better overall stats

Gyokeres has barely featured for Arsenal so far this season as Arteta favours Havertz, with just two league appearances from the bench.

Merino is also yet to start a league match up to now, but has proven his quality as a makeshift striker over the break and in recent campaigns for the Gunners.

The Spaniard created more chances (1.05), made more successful passes (24.6) and won more duels (6.92) per 90 minutes than Gyokeres in the PL last season.

Merino outshone his teammate in every key metric other than goals and shots stats, with more successful dribbles (0.44), fouls won (1.75) and distance covered (12.7km) per 90 too.

He also proved just how ready he is to make an impact up front this weekend for Spain against Croatia, scoring twice from 0.44 xG, having the joint-most touches (6) in the opposition box and winning 100 per cent of his attempted ground duels.

Gyokeres has also done well over the break for Sweden, but scored his goals against lesser opponents in Nations League B.

Arsenal will dominate the ball and chances against Leeds, who are 16th for average possession and shots on target per match in the PL so far.

It clearly makes much more sense for Merino to start against the Whites, as he will link up better with other Gunners attackers while still having a clinical edge in front of goal.

Arsenal could cut their losses on Gyokeres

Arteta was reportedly keen to bolster his attacking ranks over the summer after Gyokeres' mixed debut campaign at the Emirates.

The Swedish striker is clearly out of favour right now, and Merino's inclusion in the Arsenal team in Havertz's absence could be the catalyst towards his exit.

Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Arsenal could look to cut their losses on Gyokeres with his role in the squad becoming increasingly uncertain.

He clearly needs to take his opportunity in the side, if given it, or could be on his way out of the club next year.