Mikel Arteta reveals Arsenal have trained with 'different players' as strikers including Mikel Merino after midfielder's six-minute brace against Leicester

Mikel Merino appears the most likely option to start in an advanced position after scoring a match-winning brace at Leicester as a striker last weekend. But the Arsenal boss is keeping West Ham guessing by revealing he has tried 'different players' there.

The Gunners are suffering a major injury crisis in forward positions, with strikers Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus both out for the rest of the season, and wide players Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli missing for several more weeks. They started with a front three of Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling in their 2-0 win at the KP Stadium but Merino's goals off the bench could change Arteta's thinking again.

Asked whether he has told Merino he will be playing upfront again, Arteta said: "No, not him or other players. I want the players when they are on that pitch taking the initiative. We trained the last few weeks with different players. Merino has been one of them, with other players as well. We have [academy] players training with us now regularly, learning our system and getting very close. Obviously we might have to use them. They look ready, which is a good thing."

The Gunners take on West Ham at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, needing a win to close the gap to leaders Liverpool to four points. Arne Slot's side then take on Manchester City on Sunday on what could be a crucial weekend for the title race.