Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterThe father of Arsenal star Mikel Merino has explained the conditions in which his son will depart the club.Merino has established himself as a cult hero at Arsenal, playing as a makeshift centre-forward during injury crises and chipping in with vital goals, but since moving to North London in the summer of 2024, he hasn't established himself as a first choice in manager Mikel Arteta's midfield.This has led to talk that he could depart the Emirates Stadium for a return to Spain, as he looks to play more regularly for club and country.Mikel Merino's Arsenal situation is impacting his national team roleAs relayed by Sport Witness, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has relegated Merino to a substitute role with the national team, while the midfielder played just 193 minutes at the World Cup.Last month, Merino's father Angel Miguel, a former professional footballer himself laid out the conditions for his son moving back to La Liga, claiming, hell want to continue in that rhythm of competing in the Champions League and keeping that motivation. You may like Arsenal star Mikel Merino named as shock target for Real Madrid: report Mikel Merino reveals how Arsenal have battled internal doubts Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi given 'opportunity' for Real Madrid move Spanish outlet La Razonhas since reported that Atletico Madrid want to sign the La Roja star on loan with a purchase option.The 30-year-old has started just once in the Premier League this term but started three of Arsenal's four Champions League games, with Arteta using him as an alternative No.10 option to Martin Odegaard.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.With Arsenal boasting the likes of Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Bruno Guimaraes in midfield, Merino's chances of starting regularly are slim, but Arteta has leaned on his hold-up play and close control to help see out matches this season, with the star appearing in every single fixture so far.FourFourTwo understands that Arsenal value Merino as a key member of the squad, however, despite the limited minutes.The Spaniard is one of Arteta's leadership group, taking the captaincy from Odegaard on occasion in the Norwegian's absence this season, with many suggesting that Merino will take up coaching in the future.Merino's contract runs until 2028, but with Arsenal in no desperate need to raise funds or sell a player in his prime, they could still choose to hold on to the midfielder until the end of his deal.No discussions have taken place about an extension for the midfielder.Merino is worth 25 million, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal host Hull City this weekend when Premier League action resumes.TOPICSArsenalTransfer newsMark WhiteSocial Links NavigationContent EditorMark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge both past and present Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
