Spain are through to the World Cup final.
They beat France 2-0 in a commanding performance that never truly looked in doubt, despite being the underdogs before the match.
The semi-final brought unwelcome news for Arsenal, however, as William Saliba was forced off after aggravating his back injury, and may now face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Mikel Merino had been the hero in the previous two rounds with last-minute winners against Portugal and Belgium, but was not needed to rescue them this time. Luis de la Fuente’s side were simply too good.
How big can a fit Mikel Merino be for Arsenal next season after his heroics for Spain?
One player who did contribute was Mikel Oyarzabal, who opened the scoring from the penalty spot, marking his fifth goal of the tournament.
Back in November 2025, Merino was asked by Adri Contreras which signing he would make for his team.
His answer was Oyarzabal — who he also spent six years playing with at Real Sociedad. The Arsenal man knows him better than almost anyone.
Would Mikel Oyarzabal make sense for Arsenal?
Oyarzabal can play on the left wing or as a striker, and could be exactly the profile Arsenal need to replace the departing Leandro Trossard.
The Gunners are instead seemingly targeting a younger option in Christos Tzolis, but Oyarzabal would bring proven quality at the highest level, as is showing during this World Cup.
Obviously, at 29, he would be a short-term solution. But he would be a safe, reliable option which is exactly what the Gunners should be going for to replace a player like Trossard.
He is experienced and capable of contributing in the big moments; a new Trossard then, essentially.
His release clause at Real Sociedad is €75million, though his market value is closer to €25million, according to Transfermarkt.
And with two years remaining on his contract, a fee significantly below that clause figure should be realistic.
Real Sociedad are notoriously tough negotiators, but they have a strong relationship with Arsenal, having already sold them Merino and Martin Zubimendi in the previous two summer windows.
With rival clubs already active and spending, the pressure is building on Andrea Berta to get moving in the market.
A trusted, proven signing that Merino himself has endorsed is exactly the kind of low-risk, high-reward option that shouldn’t be entirely dismissed.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
