Martin Zubimendi has been surprised by Arsenal’s Mikel Merino for one clear reason

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Martin Zubimendi has been speaking about his Arsenal and Spanish teammate Mikel Merino about the 29-year-old’s impressive stats this season.

Merino has become so underrated for Arsenal, with his ability to fill multiple roles for Mikel Arteta’s squad and pop up with goals.

The midfielder is now a very popular figure for both his club and country, with Zubimendi a big fan of the former Real Sociedad star.

Arsenal’s new summer signing has spent much time with Merino at Sociedad, in Spain, and now in North London, which has meant the pair know each other rather well.

Martin Zubimendi hails Mikel Merino’s goal-scoring ability for Arsenal and Spain

Martin Zubimendi has been surprised by Mikel Merino’s goal-scoring ability for both Arsenal and Spain throughout 2025.

The midfielder looks set to be Spain’s leading scorer for this calendar year, given his impressive output in front of goal.

Merino, who’s been nicknamed ‘Merigol’, has netted eight times for Spain across 2025, and he has really developed this side of his game over the last year.

Last season, Arteta moved Merino to striker, and since then, the 29-year-old has gone from strength to strength in front of goal.

When asked whether Merino’s volume of goals this year surprised him, Zubimendi told the media: “I think it has, because obviously the numbers he’s putting up are incredible.

“I’ve known him for a long time, and I’ve also known about his desire to improve in that area, which he’s had for years.

“We used to joke about it, but it’s clear he’s taken it very seriously. He’s improved tremendously, and it’s not luck because he’s trained for it, and I know he’s been working on it for a long time.”

In total, Merino has 19 goals for Spain and Arsenal this year, which is by far the best return throughout his career.

Viktor Gyokeres is expected to replace Mikel Merino against Tottenham

In the North London derby, Viktor Gyokeres is expected to replace Merino, as the Swede makes his return from injury.

Gyokeres has been struggling with a muscular problem, which forced him off at half-time in the Gunners’ 2-0 win at Burnley.

Away at Turf Moor, Gyokeres produced one of his best performances for Arsenal to date, and Arteta will be eager to get his new centre forward back fit.

Arsenal are hopeful Gyokeres will be fit to face Tottenham, and the striker is now expected to take Merino’s spot in the team.