Mikel Merino's father has dismissed speculation linking the midfielder with a move to Real Madrid, insisting his son remains happy at 'top club' Arsenal. Miguel Merino's comments come amid reports from Spain suggesting the La Liga giants could revive their interest in the 30-year-old Spain international.
Merino's Arsenal career so far
Merino joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in a deal worth £31.6 million after winning the European Championship with Spain in 2024. Since then, he has made 86 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners, scoring 16 goals and providing eight assists under fellow countryman Mikel Arteta.
The midfielder has become an invaluable member of Arsenal's dressing room over his first two years in north London, with his ability to fill in as a makeshift centre-forward proving a useful asset. However, fierce competition for places has seen him play a bit-part role at the Emirates, and he is yet to start in the Premier League this season.
Father's response to speculation
Speaking on the programme Goles con Parrado, Miguel Merino was asked why Real Madrid did not make a concerted effort to sign his son before Arsenal secured his signature. He replied: 'Well, look, it's not just about Real Madrid. He's at Arsenal and has won the Premier League, has reached the Champions League final, he got to the Champions League semi-finals last year. He's part of a world-class squad, so he's a world-class player.'
When it was suggested that Madrid have failed to bring in a quality replacement since the departure of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, Merino's father said: 'Yes, well, but they opted for a different type of player for that position. So, it's a perfectly respectable decision, isn't it? The technical staff or those in charge at Real Madrid sometimes go for one profile or another.'
Future plans and current form
Pressed on whether a return to La Liga could be on the cards, he said: 'Well, right now, he's at a club that is competing for everything. That's what he wanted when he left Real Sociedad. Mikel left with a heavy heart. He wanted to take a step up in his ambitions as a footballer, to be a regular in the Champions League and try to win the Premier League, which he's already achieved. He left Real Sociedad because he wanted to advance his career as a footballer and now he's at a top club. If he comes back 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.'
Merino has faced similar frustrations at international level regarding playing time, admitting as much after scoring both goals in Spain's recent 2-1 win over Croatia. He told TVE: 'I'm very happy to be able to help the team, another game in which it was my turn to score from the bench. I'll go out there with the best possible attitude even while frustrated about not being able to play more… but this team is a family and that always shows.'
The central midfielder, formerly of Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund, was once again a substitute at the weekend as Arsenal came from behind to beat Leeds at the Emirates, with Arteta sending him on in place of Martin Odegaard. Merino's current contract with the Gunners runs through to June 2028.
