Mikel Arteta’s decision to not regularly utilise Arsenal‘s Mikel Merino and Martín Zubimendi has left the Spanish media puzzled and there are calls for the duo to leave the Premier League winners in January.
Merino, 30, left Real Sociedad for Arsenal in 2024 and has played 4,776 minutes from 85 matches. That averages to 56.18 minutes per game, and it drops drastically this season.
The Spain international has played 236 minutes from seven matches and 81 is from the league. His average in the league is 16.2 minutes per game.
Last summer, Arsenal returned to La Real to sign Merino’s compatriot. He played 4,299 minutes from 57 matches but has lost prominence this season.
To put it in context, Zubimendi has played 187 minutes from eight matches and 85 are from five league matches.
Arsenal situation impacting NT
Mikel Merino was a substitute in Spain’s all four matches while Martín Zubimendi made one start in September and October.
This shows the two midfielders’ situation at the Emirates is also impacting their roles with the national team. Last weekend, the 27-year-old said it’s “not ideal” when asked about his lack of regular minutes.
Spanish journalist Tomás Roncero expressed his frustration over the duo’s limited role at Arsenal to AS TV. Defensa Central have relayed his comments.
He questions Mikel Arteta’s decision and asks the Gunners to send Merino and Zubimendi on loan to Real Madrid in January.
He said: “I know you’ve won the Premier League and were runners-up in the UEFA Champions League, but how on earth can you have Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Merino on the bench?”
“I mean, send them to me, to Real Madrid. Let me have them, loan them to me. If you’re not going to play them, loan them to Madrid! Goodness me, Arteta. How can these lads not be starting if they’re both footballing machines?”
Arsenal January exit links may grow
Mikel Arteta has favoured Myles Lewis-Skelly and summer signing Bruno Guimarães to partner Declan Rice in midfield, ahead of Mikel Merino and Martín Zubimendi.
If the Spanish duo’s situation were to not improve in the coming weeks, there could be more calls from them to leave in the winter market.
Starting this weekend, the Gunners play nine matches until November 7th. Mikel Arteta may rotate his midfield during this busy period.
