SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - JULY 27: Mikel Merino of Arsenal celebrates with Martin Zubimendi after scoring the team's first goal during the Pre-Season ...
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - JULY 27: Mikel Merino of Arsenal celebrates with Martin Zubimendi after scoring the team's first goal during the Pre-Season Friendly between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at the National Stadium on July 27, 2025 in Singapore. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta has made clear that Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino remain central to his thinking despite fierce competition for places in Arsenal’s midfield.
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate Mikel Merino during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on September 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate Mikel Merino during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on September 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta insists Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino remain pivotal figures for Arsenal, despite neither midfielder being guaranteed a place in the starting XI.
Speaking before the Champions League trip to Slavia Prague, Arteta rejected the idea that their importance should be measured simply by how often they start.
“They are playing a pivotal role,” Arteta said. “If we focus on the players that are starting, obviously that’s something else.
“Mikel has started some games already, some important games and he’s coming from a World Cup, a very successful World Cup. We know the value of the players that we have in the squad.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 13: Mikel Merino of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between Arsenal FC and LOSC Lille at Arsenal Stadium on October 13, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 13: Mikel Merino of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between Arsenal FC and LOSC Lille at Arsenal Stadium on October 13, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
“They need to feel important. I do think that they feel very important and we have to make sure that they continue like that because if they have that spirit and that belief within themselves every time they play, they will make things happen for the team to win the game.”
Competition in Arsenal’s midfield has increased following the summer arrival of Bruno Guimarães, while Zubimendi’s own season has been interrupted by injury.
His only starts this season have come in the League Cup, but Arteta was emphatic when asked about his standing within the squad.
“He’s a very important player for us,” Arteta said. “He’s been a bit unlucky with what happened with the ankle, with the nose afterwards. He had some minutes as well and we have options in midfield.
“Like anybody else, everybody has to be ready. Everybody is going to have the chances to play. Then it’s about performing and helping the team to win football matches. But, his energy, his application, his will to help is unquestionable and he’s an unbelievable player for us.”
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal passes the ball under pressure from Taiwo Awoniyi and Victor Torp of Coventry City during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on August 21, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal passes the ball under pressure from Taiwo Awoniyi and Victor Torp of Coventry City during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on August 21, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)