Arsenal have made an excellent start to the season, winning eight of their opening nine Premier League games to sit top of the table. They have also carried that form into Europe, beating Slavia Prague 2-1 on Wednesday to extend their Champions League winning run. But while things are going well for Mikel Arteta’s side, not everyone is getting a look in.
Declan Rice has chipped in with five assists in 13 appearances across all competitions, while Martin Odegaard has scored three goals and created 31 chances in 15 games. Eberechi Eze has also made an impact with two goals and an assist since arriving. With Martin Zubimendi adding another option in midfield, Merino faces plenty of competition for a starting spot.
The Spaniard joined from Real Sociedad in August 2024 as a central midfielder, but Arteta soon found another use for him. With Arsenal struggling for attacking options last season, Merino was pushed further forward and even used as a makeshift striker, scoring important goals during that spell.
He has since returned to midfield, but regular starts have been hard to come by. Merino has featured in all nine Premier League games this season, yet has started just once and played around 183 minutes. Arteta has also used him as an alternative No. 10 to Odegaard, but that has done little to change his standing in the league pecking order.
At 30, Merino may not be keen on spending another season watching from the sidelines. Atletico Madrid could now offer him a way back to Spanish football.
As Atletico are considering a loan move with a 30 million euro purchase option. The report, citing transfer journalist Ekrem Konur, suggests the Spanish club are exploring a deal ahead of January. There is no confirmed formal offer at this stage.
A move would make sense given Merino’s familiarity with La Liga. He spent six seasons at Real Sociedad before joining Arsenal, while Atletico had reportedly considered signing him in 2024. A reunion with Spanish football could give him the regular role he has struggled to find under Arteta.
Arsenal may not be in a hurry to let him go, though. Merino is contracted until June 2028 and remains a useful option because of his versatility and experience. He is also part of Arteta’s leadership group, making a January departure less straightforward.
As FourFourTwo reported, Merino’s father, Angel Miguel, has previously spoken about the possibility of his son returning to Spain. He said: “He’ll want to continue in that rhythm of competing in the Champions League and keeping that motivation.”
Atletico could offer Merino a fresh start, but Arsenal must decide whether his experience is worth keeping or whether January is the right time to let him move on.
