Mikel Merino: I was seduced by Arsenal | OneFootball

Mikel Merino has opened up about his move to Arsenal, highlighting how the club’s ambition and the opportunity to be a crucial component of a growing project ultimately convinced him to leave Real Sociedad.

The midfielder, who arrived at the Emirates shortly after helping Spain lift the European Championship, spoke about the journey that led him to north London, his evolving role on the pitch, and his ambitions with the Gunners.

Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Merino, aged 28, moved to Arsenal after a standout summer tournament, joining a squad largely comprised of young talent, with the hope of contributing his experience as a European champion. In interviews with Spanish media during the international break, he noted how that victory had an immediate impact when he entered the Arsenal dressing room: “We players have a lot of respect. We know how hard it is to win these things. You say, ‘Oysters, this one has had to do things right to win one of these tournaments.’ That respect and admiration from your teammates is noticeable, especially when you arrive at such a club, with many young players, and you being one of the veterans.”

Reflecting on his move, Merino stated, “I was seduced by Arsenal to be a participant in building a winning culture.” He has embraced the challenge of leading a young squad while aiming to help Arsenal reclaim their former glory. Merino spoke of the excitement that surrounded his transfer, and his desire to be a decisive player in the final third of the pitch, something he believes is what truly matters in the modern game: “I want to be decisive near the area, it’s what money is paid for.”

Merino also looked back on his previous move to Borussia Dortmund, where he left Osasuna at the age of 18. His experience there was mixed, describing how he struggled with both the culture and the demands of competing in a Champions League team: “The culture was totally different. And the game idea. So, it takes you a little bit to adapt. Especially at the level. You come from Second, you’ve just moved up to First and the jump to a Champions League team is huge.” Merino described the challenges he faced, including training out of position as a centre-back: “I didn’t have any opportunities at Dortmund; I trained as a centre-back and I had never done it before.”

Now, with Arsenal, Merino feels that his role fits his skill set much better. He is tasked with pushing forward, creating chances, and ultimately, being the type of player who can change a match in its most critical moments. His memories of scoring the decisive goal in Spain’s quarter-final against Germany in the Euro 2024 underline this. It was a goal that mirrored his father’s success at the very same Copenhagen stadium over three decades ago—a poetic moment Merino treasures: “It seemed written for a movie: for the son to score a goal in the same stadium, in European competition, with the father there…”

As Spain prepare to take on Denmark in Copenhagen tonight, knowing a draw will see them top their Nations League group, Merino is reflective but focused. He attributes much of his mental strength to playing alongside veterans such as Dani Carvajal and Rodri, who have been instrumental in building Spain’s success: “At the highest level, where there is so much physical, technical and tactical equality, the mental is everything.”