Martin Zubimendi has been surprised by Arsenal’s Mikel Merino for one clear reason
Martin Zubimendi has spoken to his Arsenal teammate and Spaniard Mikel Merino about the 29-year-old’s impressive statistics this season.
Merino has become so underrated for Arsenal, with his ability to fill multiple roles for Mikel Arteta’s side and score goals.
The midfielder is now a very popular figure at club and country, with Zubimendi a big fan of the former Real Sociedad star.
Arsenal’s new summer signing has spent a lot of time with Merino at Sociedad, in Spain, and now in north London, meaning the pair know each other quite well.
Martin Zubimendi praises Mikel Merino’s ability to score for Arsenal and Spain
Martin Zubimendi has been surprised by Mikel Merino’s ability to score goals for Arsenal and Spain throughout 2025.
The midfielder appears to be Spain’s top scorer for this calendar year, given his impressive output in front of goal.
Merino, nicknamed ‘Merigol’, has scored eight times for Spain in 2025, and he has really developed this aspect of his game over the past year.
Last season, Arteta moved Merino to striker, and since then the 29-year-old has gone from strength to strength in front of goal.
When asked if Merino’s number of goals this year surprised him, Zubimendi told the media: “I think so, because obviously the numbers he puts up are incredible.
“I have known him for a long time, and I also know his desire to improve in this area, which he has had for years.
“We were joking about it, but it’s clear he took it very seriously. He’s improved tremendously, and it’s not luck, because he’s been training for this, and I know he’s been working on it for a long time.”
In total, Merino has 19 goals for Spain and Arsenal this year, which is by far the best tally of his career.
Viktor Gyokeres should replace Mikel Merino against Tottenham
In the north London derby, Viktor Gyokeres is expected to replace Merino, as the Swede makes his return from injury.
Gyokeres is suffering from a muscle problem which forced him off at half-time during the Gunners’ 2-0 win at Burnley.
At Turf Moor, Gyokeres produced one of his best performances for Arsenal to date, and Arteta will be eager to get his new centre-forward back into shape.
Arsenal hope Gyokeres will be fit to face Tottenham, and the striker is now expected to take Merino’s place in the team.