Mikel Merino's father has opened the door to a potential exit from Arsenal, while reports of a January swap deal involving Viktor Gyokeres and Julian Alvarez have emerged. The Gunners returned to winning ways with a 2-1 comeback victory over Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium.
Merino's father hints at La Liga return
Mikel Merino has played a bit-part role at Arsenal this season despite helping Spain win the World Cup in the summer. His father, Miguel, appeared on Goles con Parrado and suggested his son would prefer to join a Champions League club if he left north London.
Miguel said: "If he comes to La Liga, well, I suppose he’ll want to continue in that rhythm of competing in the Champions League and keeping that motivation, but obviously he’s in a comfortable situation there at Arsenal, isn’t he? Because he’s experiencing exactly what he wanted when he left Real Sociedad."
Arsenal signed Merino in a £27million deal from Real Sociedad. Asked why Real Madrid did not pursue him, Miguel said: "Well, look, it’s not just about Real Madrid. I think he’s a player who’s at Arsenal and has won the Premier League, has reached the Champions League final, he got to the semi-finals last year. He’s part of a world class squad, so he’s a world class player."
Swap deal for Alvarez reportedly considered
Arsenal remain interested in Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez after failing to sign him in the summer. According to Sport, Arteta is keen to sign the 26-year-old and would consider a swap deal sending Viktor Gyokeres to Atletico. Gyokeres has lost his place in the Gunners' starting line-up and has not scored in six games this season.
Reports in Spain suggest Atletico are seriously considering letting Alvarez leave in January. Alvarez has managed 173 minutes of football this campaign due to the summer saga and muscular issues.
