Leeds United v Arsenal - Premier League - Source: Getty
Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has said that he had no role in his compatriot Martin Zubimendi arriving at the Emirates. The Gunners signed Zubimendi last summer in a deal reportedly worth £60 million.
Zubimendi, 27, has quickly proven his worth, becoming a key player in Mikel Arteta's side. In 33 appearances across competitions, the Spaniard has contributed five goals and three assists. That includes four strikes and an assist in 24 outings in the Premier League, where the Gunners are six points clear at the top.
Merino, another key player in Arteta's side, spoke on Jiostar's Premier League Originals show that while he's happy to see Zubimendi's arrival in north London, it was solely the latter's decision to move from Real Sociedad to the Gunners:
"I deliberately avoided getting too involved; it’s a deeply personal career choice. Moments like switching clubs, especially to a club as meaningful as Arsenal for him, belong to the individual.
"Of course, selfishly, I’m thrilled he’s with us now and I get to enjoy playing alongside him on and off the pitch. But back then, it was his call to make, and he made it."
Zubimendi scored in his most recent Premier League outing for the Gunners, who returned to winning ways in the league with a 4-0 victory at promoted Leeds United last weekend following a 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United the previous week.
What's next for Arsenal?
Arsenal head cosch Mikel Arteta
Arsenal head cosch Mikel Arteta
Arsenal are coming off a last-gasp 1-0 home win over Chelsea in midweek in the EFL Cup semi-final second leg, progressing to the final with a 4-2 aggregatw win.
Former Blues man Kai Havertz netted in stoppage time as Mikel Arteta's side returned to the Cup final after a newrly a decade. Next up for the Gunners is a Premier League home game with Sunderland on Saturday (February 7).
The Gunners are alive in four different competitions. They topped the UEFA Champions League league phase with a perfect 8/8 record and are also into the FA Cup fourth round. Arteta's side take on Manchester City in the EFL Cup final next month.