Merino's father dismisses Real Madrid speculation amid bench role

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Mikel Merino's father has dismissed suggestions that his son could leave Arsenal for Real Madrid, despite growing speculation in the Spanish press about the midfielder's lack of game time under Mikel Arteta this season.

Merino joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2024 in a deal worth €37.5million (£31.8million) and quickly established himself as a key figure for Arteta's side. This season, however, he has been named among the substitutes for all five of Arsenal's Premier League matches so far, though he did start the Champions League win over Napoli and the Carabao Cup victory against Ipswich Town.

That shift in role has prompted reports from Spain expressing surprise at his situation, with some outlets even floating the idea of a move to the Santiago Bernabeu. Miguel Merino, speaking on Goles con Parrado, pushed back firmly on that narrative.

'Well, look, it's not just about Real Madrid,' he said. '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.'

Zubimendi also under scrutiny

Merino is not the only Spanish midfielder at Arsenal facing questions over his role. Martin Zubimendi, who joined from Real Sociedad a year ago after Real Madrid had previously shown interest in him, has similarly struggled for regular starts this term. He has started just one match, the Carabao Cup win over Napoli, and has not featured from the opening whistle in any of Arsenal's five Premier League fixtures.

Zubimendi addressed his lack of playing time directly, particularly in the context of his place with the Spain national team, where he operates behind Rodri.

'Obviously, it's not ideal – we all like to be key players; everyone has a bit of an ego and wants to play,' Zubimendi told RTVE. 'I'm not naive; I understand the context I'm in. I'm with the best national team in the world, with the best defensive midfielder in the world (Rodri) ahead of me.'

What it means for Arsenal's midfield

Both players remain part of a congested midfield picture at the Emirates, with Arteta having multiple options to rotate between domestic and European commitments. Merino's willingness to feature in cup competitions and the Champions League suggests he retains a role within the squad, even if Premier League starts have been harder to come by.

As reported by football.london, the speculation linking both midfielders to Madrid has not been accompanied by any concrete transfer interest from the Spanish club this time around. For now, the comments from Merino's camp suggest no imminent departure is being planned, with both players seemingly focused on fighting for their place at Arsenal.