Arsenal dominate transfer talk and title predictions as Champions League rivals circle top targets

From the Newshound archive · first published 8 October 2026.

Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente described it as an 'honour' to work with Mikel Merino after the Arsenal midfielder entered as a substitute and scored twice to give Spain a 2-1 comeback win over Croatia in the Nations League. The 30-year-old has now scored five times in his last eight international appearances, every one from the bench. De la Fuente called on Spanish supporters to show Merino the same appreciation that top players receive elsewhere.

Merino acknowledged his frustration at limited starts, saying he plays 'with the best possible attitude even while frustrated about not being able to play more.'