Mikel Merino
Arsenal

Mikel Merino

Midfielder at Arsenal

🌍 ESMidfielder#23🎂 29 years📏 188cm👟 Left

Current Team: Arsenal

Market Value
31.0M
SofaScore Rating
6.57

📊 Season Summary

All competitions • Real data
Mikel Merino Season by Season Statistics
SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssistsRating
25/26EFL Cup3006.57
2026World Cup Qual. UEFA6608.02
25/26Premier League19336.82
25/26UEFA Champions League6207.05
24/25EFL Cup3007.03
24/25Premier League28727.03
24/25UEFA Champions League12237.16
2025Emirates Cup1006.60
24/25UEFA Nations League-00-
23/24UEFA Champions League-00-
📅 Last updated: January 13, 2026 • Data: Official league records

📋 Match Log

Last 15 matches
Mikel Merino Recent Match Performance Log
DateCompetitionRating
Feb 2, 2025Premier League6.6
Feb 5, 2025EFL Cup6.6
Feb 15, 2025Premier League8.5
Feb 22, 2025Premier League6.8
Feb 26, 2025Premier League7.0
Mar 4, 2025UEFA Champions League8.2
Mar 9, 2025Premier League6.6
Mar 12, 2025UEFA Champions League6.7
Mar 16, 2025Premier League7.4
Mar 20, 2025UEFA Nations League7.5
Mar 23, 2025UEFA Nations League6.7
Apr 1, 2025Premier League7.5
Apr 5, 2025Premier League7.4
Apr 8, 2025UEFA Champions League7.7
Apr 12, 2025Premier League6.8
⚽ Performance ratings tracked per match. Data sourced from official match statistics.

⚡ Player Characteristics

Strengths

Trait 26

📈 Career Totals

Aggregated across 39 seasons, 19 competitions
20
Career Goals
8
Career Assists
78
Total Apps
52
Full Games

👥 Teammates at Arsenal

Full Squad →

📊 Season Statistics

EFL Cup 25/26
3 appearances
0
Goals
0
Assists
6.57
Rating
251
Minutes
3
Shots
3
Key Passes
4
Tackles
1
Interceptions

🏳️ International Career

Spain|41 caps10 goals

📝 About Mikel Merino

Mikel Merino is a 29-year-old ES professional footballer who plays as a midfielder. Currently representing Arsenal, Mikel Merino stands at 188cm and is predominantly left-footed. With a market valuation of €31.0M, Mikel Merino represents a highly valued player in today's transfer market.

Mikel Merino's professional career began at Osasuna U19. Over their career, Mikel Merino has made 8 transfers. The most recent move saw Mikel Merino join Arsenal in 2024 for €32.0M.

This season, Mikel Merino has contributed to the team in 3 appearances. Accumulating 251 minutes, averaging 84 per game.

On the international stage, Mikel Merino represents Spain with 41 caps and 10 goals. International debut came in 2020.

🎯

Expert Tactical Profile

KickAI Scouting Analysis

This tactical analysis and scouting report on Mikel Merino has been compiled by the KickAI Analytics Team. Our assessment covers Mikel Merino's role as a midfielder at Arsenal, examining their ES playing style, statistical performance, tactical contributions, and future potential. Data is updated after every matchday.

Player Archetype

Box-to-Box

Mikel Merino profiles as a tireless engine who contributes at both ends of the pitch. Elite qualities include attribute 26, which make them a threat in various scenarios. At 29, experience now matches physical capability – peak performance window.

Formation Fit

Best deployed in:

4-3-3 (central midfield)4-2-3-1 (as part of the double pivot or attacking trio)

✅ Key Strengths

  • attribute 26

⚠️ Development Areas

  • No significant weaknesses identified

**Playing Style**: Mikel Merino fits the profile of a modern Box-to-Box – a tireless engine who contributes at both ends of the pitch.

✨ What Makes Them Special

What sets Mikel Merino apart from other midfielders? It's the combination of attribute 26 that creates a unique profile.

🔄 Career Turning Point

The Defining Move: Mikel Merino's career trajectory changed in 2024 when Real Sociedad agreed to let them join Arsenal. The €32.0M move represented a significant investment and a vote of confidence in Mikel Merino's abilities. This transfer opened doors to a new league, new challenges, and new opportunities to showcase their talents.

🔮 Future Outlook

Future Outlook: At 29, Mikel Merino has 3-4 seasons of top-level football remaining. Experience is now the key asset – expect a leadership role at Arsenal and potentially a move to MLS, Saudi Pro League, or a return home to ES.

📊 EFL Cup 25/26 Analysis

In the current season, Mikel Merino has made 3 appearances in their competition. With an average rating of 6.57, Mikel Merino has been consistent. Accumulating 251 minutes, Mikel Merino averages 84 minutes per game.

🔥 Recent Form

Over the last 5 matches, Mikel Merino has maintained strong form with an average rating of 7.10. Performance ratings ranged from 6.6 to 8.5, demonstrating fluctuating form.

📈 Form Guide (Last 15 Matches)

OldestLatest

📊 Performance Statistics

How Mikel Merino compares to league average this season

📅 Appearances3
0Avg: 1538
Average Rating6.6
0Avg: 6.510
⏱️ Minutes Played251
0Avg: 9003420
🎯 Shots on Target1
0Avg: 1060

Yellow line = league average. Green = above average performance.

🩺 Player Status & Availability

Fitness Status

Available

No reported injuries

📋Contract Status

Under Contract

Current club: Arsenal

🔄Transfer Rumors

No Active Rumors

Last updated: 1/13/2026

📈Market Trend

€31.0M

SofaScore estimate

💹 Career Value Trajectory

Transfer fee history and market value trend

2024
Real SociedadArsenal
€32.00M
2018
Newcastle UnitedReal Sociedad
€12.00M
2018
Borussia DortmundNewcastle United
€7.00M
2018
Newcastle UnitedBorussia Dortmund
-
2017
Borussia DortmundNewcastle United
€3.00M
2016
OsasunaBorussia Dortmund
€3.75M
2014
Osasuna BOsasuna
-
2013
Osasuna U19Osasuna B
-

🔥 Recent Performance (12 Months)

Avg Rating: NaN
2/2/2025Premier League
6.6
2/5/2025EFL Cup
6.6
2/15/2025Premier League
8.5
2/22/2025Premier League
6.8
2/26/2025Premier League
7.0
3/4/2025UEFA Champions League
8.2
3/9/2025Premier League
6.6
3/12/2025UEFA Champions League
6.7
3/16/2025Premier League
7.4
3/20/2025UEFA Nations League
7.5
3/23/2025UEFA Nations League
6.7
4/1/2025Premier League
7.5
4/5/2025Premier League
7.4
4/8/2025UEFA Champions League
7.7
4/12/2025Premier League
6.8

Showing last 15 matches. Based on SofaScore statistical ratings.

💰 Transfer History

8 transfers

Transfer Fee Progression

2016
3.75M
2017
3.00M
2018
7.00M
2018
12.00M
2024
32.00M
DateFromToFee
8/27/2024Real SociedadArsenal32M €
7/12/2018Newcastle UnitedReal Sociedad12M €
7/1/2018Borussia DortmundNewcastle United7M €
6/30/2018Newcastle UnitedBorussia Dortmund-
7/28/2017Borussia DortmundNewcastle United3M €
7/1/2016OsasunaBorussia Dortmund3.8M €
7/1/2014Osasuna BOsasuna-
7/1/2013Osasuna U19Osasuna B-

📅 Career Progression & Journey

Mikel Merino's professional football journey began at Osasuna U19, where the foundations of their career were established. Like many successful footballers, Mikel Merino developed their skills through dedicated training and competitive youth football before breaking into senior football.

The career path of Mikel Merino has taken them through 7 different clubs, each phase contributing to their development as a professional footballer. The most significant transfer came when Mikel Merino moved from Real Sociedad to Arsenal for €32.0M, marking a pivotal moment in their career trajectory.

Currently, Mikel Merino represents Arsenal, the latest chapter in an evolving career. Having joined in 2024, Mikel Merino continues to develop and contribute to their team's objectives. The experience gained across different clubs and competitions has shaped Mikel Merino into the player they are today.

📈 Performance Analysis & Context

When evaluating Mikel Merino's performance in context, their average rating of 6.57 positions them among solid contributors to their team. Averaging 84 minutes per appearance indicates regular starting status and coach confidence. For a midfielder at this level of competition, these statistics provide insight into Mikel Merino's impact and role within their team's tactical setup.

🔗 Related Content & Categories

Explore more content related to Mikel Merino, including teammates, similar players, and competition information.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Mikel Merino

What position does Mikel Merino play?
Mikel Merino is a professional midfielder who currently plays for Arsenal. As a midfielder, Mikel Merino is primarily responsible for controlling the midfield, linking defense to attack, and box-to-box contributions.
How old is Mikel Merino?
Mikel Merino is 29 years old, born on June 22, 1996. At 29, Mikel Merino is in their peak years as a professional footballer.
What team does Mikel Merino play for in 2026?
Mikel Merino currently plays for Arsenal. They joined the club in 2024.
How tall is Mikel Merino?
Mikel Merino stands at 188cm (6'2") tall. This height is above average for a midfielder.
What is Mikel Merino's market value in 2026?
Mikel Merino's current estimated transfer market value is €31.0M according to professional football valuation metrics. This represents significant transfer market interest.
What nationality is Mikel Merino?
Mikel Merino is a ES footballer. They represent the ES national team with 41 international caps.
What are Mikel Merino's career statistics?
This season, Mikel Merino has made 3 appearances, scored 0 goals, and provided 0 assists. Their average match rating is 6.57.
Where did Mikel Merino start their career?
Mikel Merino's professional career began at Osasuna U19. Since then, they have made 8 career moves across various clubs.
What is Mikel Merino's preferred foot?
Mikel Merino is predominantly left-footed. This less common preference influences their playing style and positioning on the pitch.
What are Mikel Merino's main strengths as a player?
Mikel Merino's primary strengths include attribute 26. These attributes make them particularly effective in various scenarios.
How many international caps does Mikel Merino have?
Mikel Merino has earned 41 international caps for Spain, scoring 10 goals at international level. Their international debut came in 2020.
What was Mikel Merino's highest transfer fee?
Mikel Merino's highest recorded transfer fee was €32.0M when moving from Real Sociedad to Arsenal.
What is Mikel Merino's current form like?
Based on their average rating of 6.57 this season, Mikel Merino's current form can be described as consistent. in 3 appearances.
What shirt number does Mikel Merino wear?
Mikel Merino wears the number 23 shirt for Arsenal. A squad number reflecting their role within the team.
What is Mikel Merino's playing style?
As a midfielder, Mikel Merino brings attribute 26 to their team. Their tactical flexibility allows them to also operate as a mc.
K

KickAI Analysis Team

Football analytics experts using AI-enhanced data processing

Statistics sourced from official match data providers. Tactical analysis generated using proprietary algorithms trained on 500,000+ player performances.

📅 Last Updated:

Verify data from official sources:

📋 Quick Facts

Full Name
Mikel Merino
Nationality
ES
Age
29 years
Height
188 cm
Position
Midfielder
Foot
Left
Shirt
#23

📅 Season Stats

0
Goals
0
Assists
3
Apps
6.57
Rating