Arteta is definitely more relaxed about the 30+ age contract thing than Wenger was. And it makes sense, given that the likes of Jorginho and Elnenny are/were still able to put in a shift after 30 (albeit not for several matches back to back).

ETA: I mean this in the context of Merino being under contract until he’s 32/33. I know he’s only 28 right now.