Mikel Merino has stated that he is content as 'part of the Arsenal family' and is not contemplating a future away from the club. The 30-year-old midfielder, who joined the Gunners from Real Sociedad in 2024, has made 78 appearances across all competitions, scoring 15 goals. Despite being signed primarily as a central midfielder, his versatility has seen him deployed as a forward when injuries have struck, making him a valuable asset for both club and country.
Limited Premier League starts last season
However, this adaptability may have cost him a regular starting spot. Last season, Merino made only 10 Premier League starts, with an additional 12 appearances coming from the bench, partly due to injury. Speaking after scoring the only goal in Spain's World Cup last-16 victory over Portugal, Merino addressed his future at Arsenal.
'I don't know, I wasn't expecting this,' he told COPE. 'I'm calm, I'm happy there, they make me feel as part of the family at the club. I'm not thinking much more than that. I'm old, so I'm making the most of every day and not looking beyond that.'
World Cup role as a substitute
Merino has started just one match at the World Cup so far—the final group game against Uruguay—but has come off the bench in the other four outings. When asked how he deals with being a substitute, he said: 'Well, it's as best we can. We're all competitive, and if we're at the top, it's because we're people who know they're very good and can contribute at any time. We all see ourselves as starters in our minds; it's another thing entirely how we accept the role we're given. If you're going to complain about being a substitute, this isn't the team for you, and it's not your national team. That's why it's considered an exemplary squad, because it's very difficult to be here, to be a substitute, or to get a few minutes and perform as well as the players who come on.'
Quarter-final against Belgium
Spain are set to face Belgium in the quarter-finals on Friday. Regarding whether he would select himself to start, Merino remarked: 'It depends on the context, the opponent, how you interpret football… I'm not a coach yet, I don't know if I ever will be, but I think it's a very difficult job. Personally, I'd play because I want to, 100 per cent, but I'll be ready for whatever the manager decides.'
Praise from Spain boss Luis de la Fuente
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, who has worked with Merino for years, having coached the country's youth teams before taking the senior role in 2022, was full of praise for the Arsenal star after his match-winning cameo against Portugal. 'We played a very complete game, and the most important players are those who come off the bench,' De la Fuente said. 'I told [Merino] to play as always, to support in midfield and attack, we were thinking of giving them a bit of more rhythm to face extra time. The players' contribution has been masterful. I'm very happy for him. I have a great affection for all the players, but with Mikel Merino there's something special because we've known each other for a long time. If necessary, I'd go to pick him up at his house. He's world-class. I want to emphasise the importance of the players who come off the bench. And Mikel never disappoints; he's a safe bet.'
