Miguel Merino defends Arsenal choice as Real and Atleti circle
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino’s father, Miguel Merino, has revealed that both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are monitoring the Spaniard, speaking in a new interview that also touched on his son’s injury spell and why he chose the London club over the Spanish giants.
Merino’s role and recent setbacks
Merino Jnr, primarily a central midfielder, has been used as an impact substitute this term under Mikel Arteta. He impressed in the first half of last season when he deputised at centre‑forward, scoring four goals and providing three assists in eleven appearances. A foot operation kept him sidelined from 31 January until 18 May.
Family perspective on Madrid links
When asked why his son joined Arsenal instead of Real Madrid in 2024, Miguel Merino said, “It’s not just about Real Madrid. He’s at Arsenal, has won the Premier League, reached the Champions League final and the semi‑finals last year, and is part of a world‑class squad.” He added that Real Madrid’s decision to seek a different type of deep‑lying midfielder, rather than Merino or Martin Zubimendi, was “perfectly respectable”. The father also noted that Merino left Real Sociedad “with a heavy heart” to compete for the Champions League and the Premier League, goals he has already achieved at Arsenal.
Arteta’s midfield now includes Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Bruno Guimaraes, Martin Odegaard and Myles Lewis‑Skelly, alongside Merino. Lewis‑Skelly’s form has pushed Merino and Zubimendi onto the bench, while Kai Havertz’s return to fitness has further limited Merino’s minutes.
Arsenal’s other recent signing, goalkeeper David Raya, forms part of the club’s defensive reinforcement alongside Merino’s midfield contributions.
Spanish journalist Tomas Roncero has publicly urged Arsenal to send Merino and Zubimendi to Madrid, exclaiming, “You won the Premier League and were Champions League runners‑up; how can they sit on the bench? Loan them to Real Madrid!”
Miguel Merino left open whether a move to La Liga will materialise, saying the Spaniard is comfortable at Arsenal but would consider a return if it matches his ambition to compete in the Champions League.