Mikel Merino has sent a clear message to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after his dominant performance for Spain in the 6-0 win over Turkey.
The 29-year-old arrived at the Emirates from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2024 and immediately became a first-team regular for Arteta.
His former Sociedad teammate Martin Zubimendi joined Arsenal this summer and has appeared to have taken his Spanish compatriot’s place in Arteta’s first-team plans.
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Merino was named on the bench for the opening two Premier League fixtures of the season; but he was selected to start the 1-0 loss against Liverpool after Martin Odegaard sustained an injury in the win against Leeds United.
Arsenal v Leeds United - Premier League
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
The Norwegian international was declared fit enough to be named in the matchday squad at Anfield, and with his expected return to full match fitness after the international break, Merino faces a fight to retain his starting spot.
Merino has responded to the increased competition at the Emirates in scintillating fashion.
Mikel Merino produces a career-best performance for Spain
Arteta sent shockwaves through Europe when he decided to utilise Merino as the focal point of his attack last season, a decision that paid dividends as he notched seven league goals in his maiden campaign.
Despite Kai Havertz’s long-term injury setback, it is unlikely Merino will be utilised as the central striker at the Emirates again, but it is clear he has not forgotten his prowess in front of goal, following his hat-trick against Turkey.
El Desmarque awarded the Spaniard a perfect 10/10 match rating, writing: “One of the best matches of his career. A historic hat trick for the midfielder, who once again plays as a playmaker and always surprises opposing defenses with his runs. He scored the second, third, and fifth.”
AS Diario also issued a glowing review of the Arsenal star: “He finished off a tiki-taka play, in true 2010 fashion, with a tight, precise right-footed shot that was his first goal. Until that goal, he’d been appearing in the box a lot.
Mikel Merino of Spain celebrates scoring his team's third goal with teammate Mikel Oyarzabal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Turkiye and Spainat Konya Metropolitan Municipality Stadium.
Photo by Ahmad Mora – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
“That drive rewarded him with two more goals, a straight-line effort and another, glorious, left-footed shot from outside the box that flew into the top corner. Merino not only scores a lot of goals, but they’re usually beautiful.”
Merino was “insane” for the Gunners as he led the line at the Emirates last season, and although he was utilised in his preferred central midfield role on Sunday, he produced the perfect display from a box-to-box midfielder.
“With his hat trick, he was the most prolific player in front of goal, even though he wasn’t playing as a striker. He’s having a great time with the national team, and it’s a pleasure to watch him play and attack from the midfield position.” Mundo Deportivo wrote.
How well did Mikel Merino perform for Spain?
While not much else matters when a player scores a hat-trick in a match, Merino will be fighting for a place in Arteta’s midfield, not with Viktor Gyokeres.
And the Spaniard produced a complete all-round performance for Spain, one that will undoubtedly have the Arsenal boss questioning whether Merino should return to the bench against Nottingham Forest.
Mikel Merino vs Turkey Total
Touches 58
Goals 3
Shots 4
Pass accuracy 86%
Chances created 2
Ground Duels won 50%
Aerial Duels won 100%
Tackles 3
Recoveries 4
Statistics provided by Fotmob.
With Declan Rice considered undroppable and one of either Odegaard or Eberechi Eze needed to add a creative spark to the midfield, it is likely Zubimendi will be the player to lose out should Arteta stick with Merino.
A display like the one shown against Turkey cannot be overlooked, and following the early blow of losing to Liverpool, it is imperative that the Gunners hit the ground running after the international break.