I loved playing at Newcastle United - it inspired me to complete £33m transfer to Premier League rivals

Merino joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in a deal worth up to £32.67million in the summer. The Spanish midfielder’s move came six years after his last spell in the Premier League with Newcastle United.

Merino joined Newcastle on an initial loan move from Borussia Dortmund which was later made permanent after an impressive start. But the midfielder struggled to build on his early promise at St James’ Park and was sold to Sociedad after one season, making 25 appearances.

Although Merino’s spell at Newcastle was brief, it left a lasting impact on the Euro 2024 winner, as he told Spanish outlet La Opinion de A Coruna: “[A transfer to] The Premier League had caught my attention because I enjoyed myself a lot at Newcastle and I always left the door open to returning. I don’t know what my future will be like.”

Merino’s debut for Arsenal was delayed due to injury but he finally featured for the club in the 3-1 win over Southampton before the international break.

Discussing the start of his spell at Arsenal and working under fellow Spaniard Mikel Arteta, Merino added: “[Arteta] is a coach who is very passionate about what he does. He loves the tactical and also the emotional aspect of group management. 

“I am very motivated by having people like that because I am also passionate about my thing, being a footballer. Mikel infects you. That caught my attention and also how he has turned around a club that was in a difficult situation.”