Midfielder Reveals Squad’s Burning Ambition After Near-Misses, Backs New Signings to Make the Difference
Mikel Merino has issued a rallying cry to his Arsenal teammates, urging them to use their recent heartbreaks as fuel to finally end the club’s wait for major silverware this season.
In an exclusive interview with TNT Sports, the Spanish midfielder opened up about the gut-wrenching Champions League semi-final defeat to PSG last term and how it has hardened the squad’s resolve. “That loss in Paris was a tough moment,” Merino admitted. “We were so motivated, we felt we deserved more. Now we must build a fire inside from that pain – use it when times get hard this season.”
The Gunners have responded to consecutive second-place Premier League finishes by splashing out on top talent this summer, including Viktor Gyökeres, Martin Zubimendi, and Noni Madueke. Merino believes these additions address last season’s shortcomings while maintaining the squad’s core identity.
“This club doesn’t just sign players – they sign the right people,” he said, praising the new arrivals’ seamless integration. “They’re already settled, already part of the family. The adaptation will come, but they look sharp.”
Merino reserved special praise for two signings in particular:
- Gyökeres: “He’s going to be massive for us. Yes, he must adapt to our principles, but we must also adapt to his qualities – find him in dangerous areas.” The Swede’s pre-season header against Athletic Club offered a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come.
- Zubimendi: A close friend and former Real Sociedad teammate, Merino joked about their almost telepathic understanding: “After seven years together, we just know. His football language needs no translation.”
With Arsenal’s squad now boasting three former Sociedad players – Merino, Zubimendi, and Martin Ødegaard – plus manager Mikel Arteta’s connection to the Basque club, Merino smiled: “Our old club is feeding Arsenal now. We’ll make them proud.”
Addressing the growing pressure to deliver trophies, Merino remained defiant: “Winning in England is brutally hard, but our biggest pressure comes from within. You should see how we train – the gaffer pushes us beyond limits every day.”
His final message was clear: After years of near-misses, this Arsenal squad is hungrier than ever. “We’ve raised our level. Now we must take that final step.” With Merino’s fire burning bright and new signings adding fresh impetus, Gunners fans have every reason to believe this could finally be their year.
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