When Mikel Merino joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in August 2024, few thought they would ever ask if he could be their number nine.
He arrived at Emirates Stadium as a 28-year-old Spain international midfielder with more than 200 La Liga appearances and a Euros title to his name. Not once had he played as a striker.
But little more than a year on, Merino is a serious contender to be Arsenal's main frontman - even taking into account the fact that some of their walking wounded are returning.
His latest important goal came in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea as he again showed his worth as a makeshift striker - a role he first played in February - in the absence of injured trio Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Viktor Gyokeres.