The latest Arsenal round-up includes Mikel Merino's father discussing the midfielder's future
Mikel Merino shouting
Mikel Merino's father has opened up about his son's future (Image: PA)
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Arsenal were as defiant as ever as they came back from behind to defeat Leeds United 2-1. The Gunners were seeking a return to winning ways after their 3-0 loss to Brighton before the international break.
The Premier League champions got off to an awful start in their quest for victory when James Justin put the Whites ahead in the second half at the Emirates Stadium. However, Riccardo Calafiori levelled the scoring just seven minutes later before substitute Bruno Guimaraes scored a stunning strike to give Mikel Arteta's side the lead and the three points.
Normality has been restored in north London with the triumph, although the club are facing potential departures when it comes to their title-winning squad. Mikel Merino's father has opened up about his son's future, while reports of a blockbuster swap deal in January has emerged.
Merino's dad opens door
Mikel Merino of Arsenal Fc looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League Phase MD1 match between Ssc Napoli and Arsenal Fc
Mikel Merino hasn't started a Premier League game this season(Image: Marco Canoniero/Shutterstock)
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Mikel Merino has had to settle for a largely bit-part role at Arsenal this season, despite playing a key role in Spain's World Cup triumph this past summer. It's a situation that may not last for long following comments made by the midfielder's father, Miguel.
Merino Sr. appeared on Goles con Parrado to discuss his son's career and was asked whether the 30-year-old could possibly return to La Liga. The Spaniard's father suggested his son would prefer to join a Champions League club if an exit from north London became a reality.
Miguel 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 signed Merino in a £27million deal from Real Sociedad and Miguel was questioned as to why Real Madrid didn't come in for him. Insistent on his son's quality, he answered: "Well, look, it’s not just about Real Madrid.
"I think he’s a player who’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 swap deal
Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal and Mikel Arteta manager / head coach of Arsenal during the Arsenal training session one day ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2026 Final at Puskas Arena on May 29, 2026 in Budapest, Hungary.
Viktor Gyokeres could be on his way out of Arsenal(Image: Getty )
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Arsenal reportedly remain interested in Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez after failing to acquire the striker in the summer transfer window. The Argentine international pushed for a move away from Madrid and sought Barcelona as his only possible departure, but bad blood between the two clubs stopped a move from happening.
According to Sport, Arteta is still keen to sign the 26-year-old and would be willing to pull the trigger on a swap deal that would see Viktor Gyokeres move in the opposite direction. The Swedish striker has lost his place in the Gunners' starting line-up and has yet to score in six games across all competitions.
Reports in Spain on Saturday suggested that Atletico are seriously considering letting Alvarez leave in January.
It's been a similarly difficult start to the campaign for the attacker, having managed 173 minutes of football due to the summer saga spilling over into the new season, as well as suffering muscular issues.
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