An underwhelming start with the Gunners for Mikel Merino turned into a magical run as a nine. The midfielder is likely to become a squad player this year, but he holds onto a supportive role with the Spaniards behind the scenes, and he will continue to focus on the "simple things" off and on the field.
‘They will get settled soon’
Mikel Arteta has allowed three new Spaniards to expand the clique this summer. Kepa Arrizabalaga arrived from **Chelsea**after he spent a year on loan at **Bournemouth**to be the deputy for David Raya. Two more men have set sail from Spain: **Martin Zubimendi**reunites with his fellow Basque in the midfield unit, and Cristhian Mosquera moved from **Valencia**to add depth to the defensive line.
Merino has taken it upon himself, with Raya, to make life in North London easier for this trio.
"David and I are the Spanish veterans in the squad! So we try to help them as much as we can to understand who is who, names, and where to go. I know at the beginning it's too much for everyone.
Merino arrived last summer for a fee of £27 million from Real Sociedad. An injury to his shoulder wrecked his first few months in North London, but the presence of a close compatriot eased the pain.
"Many new faces, a new place, new surroundings, and you will need some time to adapt. When I came here, I appreciated when David was helping me and trying to help me settle in really quickly.”
He sees how the two arrivals from his home country are working hard to get to grips with English.
"The whole club is helping these new signings to adapt as soon as possible. They are trying their best to learn the language. They are trying their best to adapt as soon as possible."
The 29-year-old opened up about the warmth of the club culture that should help their integration.
"They are nice kids, so they will get settled very soon. They're not only amazing signings in terms of football, but also really nice people to be around. That's what this club is about. Not only having good players, but always having good people that make the best atmosphere and a good environment.”
The Gunners faced two Spanish sides at the Emirates Stadium to finish their preseason prep. A 3-0 victory over Athletic Club clinched the **Emirates Cup**and allayed some fears after a 3-2 defeat to Villarreal. No matter the wobbles with results, the midfielder believes the last month has gone well.
"We had an amazing pre-season. We've been working hard, we've been preparing mentally, tactically, technically, everything's on point. It's the last few things before the first game of the season, but I see the team in really good shape. The mind is clear, the body is ready, so I can't wait for the first game.”
He will now have to fight for minutes. The arrival of Zubimendi confirms Rice will earn more minutes in a double pivot or as an eight. **Kai Havertz**can also drop into midfield, and Viktor Gyökeres will be gunning to get the nod as the number nine after his switch from Sporting.
The Spaniard stated he will just keep trying to do the little things right, and his chance should come.
"The main thing where I put my focus is in trying to perform at the best level and try to do the simple things the right way, and those simple things are going to make you go forward and make bigger things better, and then goals will come. That's the mentality I have: to do the simple things well.”