Merino's father sets Champions League condition for Arsenal exit amid Atletico Madrid interest

Mikel Merino could leave Arsenal if he is no longer guaranteed Champions League football, according to his father Angel Miguel — a former professional footballer — who has publicly outlined the conditions that would trigger a departure from the Emirates Stadium.

Spanish outlet La Razon has reported that Atletico Madrid are interested in signing the 30-year-old on loan with a purchase option, a move that would represent a return to La Liga for the midfielder who joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2024.

Angel Miguel told reporters last month that his son “will want to continue in that rhythm of competing in the Champions League and keeping that motivation” — a statement that frames any potential exit around European football rather than a desire to leave Arsenal specifically.

Merino has started just once in the Premier League this season but has featured in three of Arsenal’s four Champions League matches, with manager Mikel Arteta deploying him as an alternative number ten to Martin Odegaard. Despite limited league minutes, Merino has appeared in every fixture so far this term, with Arteta leaning on his hold-up play and close control in a squad management role.

His reduced playing time has had knock-on consequences at international level. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has moved Merino into a substitute role with the national side, and the midfielder managed just 193 minutes at the World Cup — a situation his father described as directly linked to his club minutes.

Arsenal’s midfield options have grown considerably crowded. Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Bruno Guimaraes all compete for central positions, making a regular starting berth for Merino difficult to envisage. FourFourTwo understands Arsenal regard Merino as a valued squad member despite the limited minutes, and no discussions over a contract extension have taken place.

Merino’s deal runs until 2028, and with Arsenal under no financial pressure to sell, the club could opt to retain him for the remainder of his contract. Transfermarkt values the Spaniard at €25 million. He has also taken the captaincy from Odegaard on occasion this season and is considered part of Arteta’s leadership group, with some in the game tipping him for a future coaching career.