Arsenal‘s Mikel Merino would consider leaving the Premier League winners if he won’t have a prominent role under Mikel Arteta.

The midfielder ended his six-year spell at Real Sociedad to join Arsenal in August 2024. In his debut season at the Emirates, he even operated as a striker. This season, he operated in his preferred role, playing 491 minutes in 14 matches for Arsenal.

Since joining the north London club, the Spain international played 5,031 minutes from 92 matches, and 2,635 minutes were from the first season.

His playing time at the Emirates has reduced over the last 18 months, averaging 49.9 minutes per game. That has dropped to just over 35 minutes per game this season.

Arsenal situation impacting NT form 

The 30-year-old was a starter for Spain last year, while Luis de la Fuente reduced him to a substitute’s role this year. To put it in context, he played 193 minutes in eight matches at the World Cup.

Mikel Merino continued to be a substitute during the last international break. This shows the situation at Arsenal is impacting his role with La Roja.

Last month, his father talked about the possibility of returning to La Liga to join a club like Atlético Madrid.

He said: “If he comes to La Liga, well, I suppose he’ll want to continue in that rhythm of competing in the Champions League and keeping that motivation, but obviously he’s in a comfortable situation there at Arsenal, isn’t he? Because he’s experiencing exactly what he wanted when he left Real Sociedad.”

Arsenal not closing exit door 

Recent reports have discussed the possibility of Los Rojiblancos signing Mikel Merino on loan with a purchase option. After relaying this, La Razón explains conditions that will convince the World Cup winner to leave the English champions.

He will turn 31 years of age next June. His contract is until 2028, and Transfermarkt value him at €25m.

Without a renewal, next summer will be Arsenal’s last chance to cash in on his sale. They may even consider selling the player after this season.

Merino wants to represent Spain at the 2028 European championship. This will be possible if he features regularly for the club. Otherwise, the Spaniard faces a risk of losing his place in Luis de la Fuente’s squad.

If Mikel Arteta were to not utilise him regularly, the midfielder will consider leaving the Gunners. In that case, his priority is to return to La Liga, which his father has already discussed, and Atlético Madrid can be an option.

In other words, Arteta’s decision will have a direct impact on Merino’s Emirates future.