Merino's father hints at Champions League exit clause as Arsenal eye Gyokeres swap for Alvarez

Arsenal returned to winning ways on Saturday, coming from behind to beat Leeds United 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium, but attention is already turning to potential squad changes in January — with Mikel Merino’s future and a reported striker swap deal dominating the headlines.

Merino’s father opens the door to a departure

Mikel Merino has been largely a fringe player for Arsenal this season despite his starring role in Spain’s run to the World Cup title last summer. His father, Miguel, has now publicly addressed the 30-year-old’s situation, suggesting an exit is possible — but only on specific terms.

Speaking on Goles con Parrado, Miguel Merino said his son would want to remain in the Champions League if he were to leave north London. “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,” he said. “But obviously he’s in a comfortable situation there at Arsenal, because he’s experiencing exactly what he wanted when he left Real Sociedad.”

Arsenal signed Merino from Real Sociedad in a £27 million deal. When asked why Real Madrid had not pursued his son, Miguel was unequivocal about the midfielder’s standing in the game. “He’s at Arsenal and has won the Premier League, has reached the Champions League final — he got to the semi-finals last year. He’s part of a world-class squad, so he’s a world-class player.”

Gyokeres-Alvarez swap deal emerges

Separately, Arsenal are reportedly still pursuing Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez after missing out on the Argentine in the summer. Alvarez had pushed for a move away from Madrid, with Barcelona his preferred destination, but tensions between the two clubs blocked any deal from materialising.

According to Sport, manager Mikel Arteta remains keen on the 26-year-old and is willing to explore a swap arrangement that would send Viktor Gyokeres to Atletico in exchange. The Swedish striker has reportedly lost his place in Arteta’s first-choice plans, making him a viable asset in any potential negotiation.

Context: Arsenal back on track

The backdrop to both stories is a 2-1 victory over Leeds that steadied the ship after a 3-0 defeat to Brighton before the international break. James Justin gave Leeds the lead in the second half, but Riccardo Calafiori equalised seven minutes later before substitute Bruno Guimaraes sealed the win with a long-range strike. The result keeps Arsenal in contention at the top of the Premier League table as the January window approaches.