Mikel Merino has stated he is content as 'part of the Arsenal family' and is not contemplating a future away from the club. The 30-year-old, who joined the Gunners from Real Sociedad in 2024, has made 78 appearances across all competitions, scoring 15 goals. The 48-cap Spain international was originally signed as a central midfielder but has also proven a valuable option up front during injury crises.
Merino addresses Arsenal future after World Cup heroics
Speaking after scoring the only goal in Spain's 1-0 win over Portugal in the World Cup round of 16, Merino was asked whether he sees himself finishing his career 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.'
Merino made only 10 Premier League starts last season, with 12 additional appearances from the bench, partly due to injury. Despite limited starting opportunities, he has remained a key squad player for both club and country.
Role as substitute at World Cup
At the World Cup, Merino has started just once—the final group game against Uruguay—but has come on as a substitute in the other four matches. 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.'
Spain face Belgium in the quarter-finals on Friday. Regarding whether he would pick himself to start, Merino commented: '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 head coach Luis de la Fuente has worked with Merino for years, having managed the country's youth teams before taking the senior role in 2022. After Merino's match-winning cameo against Portugal, De la Fuente praised the Arsenal midfielder. 'We played a very complete game, and the most important players are those who come off the bench,' he 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.'
