Mikel Merino reveals why he joined Arsenal after making his debut, says the team is “obsessed with titles.”

Arsenal summer signing Mikel Merino claims Arsenal are “obsessed” with winning trophies, which is why he joined the north London club. Mikel Merino made his Champions League debut as a substitute for Arsenal in their 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

Merino claims to have learnt Mikel Arteta’s tactics during his month off and is confident in their effectiveness.

The Spanish midfielder said: “For sure, that is something that helped me a lot to decide where I wanted to be. The mentality that they have here is amazing, not only on the pitch, but at the training ground and how they focus on the single things, the details, the basics.

When I spoke to Mikel and I saw what was the plan, not only with me but the whole team, what was the culture, I felt this was the right place to be to take the next step in my career. I want to grow up, I want to learn even more – and I think this is the right place to keep improving and keep winning. Winning trophies is the main thing here for everybody. They are obsessed with that. You can see that winning is the main thing for us.”

Merino says Arteta’s training methods are pushing him even as a regular Spain international and a player who won the Euros in the summer. He said: “It’s something that is amazing, to be honest with you. They do some things that I have never seen in my career. The methods they use are completely new to me, so obviously it takes some time to adapt.

“But at the same time, I think that when you get it, you are in a different level because they challenge you every single day – not only physically, but mentally. That makes you be sharp mentally and that’s what you are going to find out in the game.”

With Merino now fit and ready, Arsenal fans can look forward to seeing more of his contributions on the pitch. His comments about the club’s trophy obsession have only heightened expectations. As Arsenal competes on multiple fronts this season, Merino’s experience and winning mentality will be invaluable.

Mikel Merino’s arrival at Arsenal is a testament to the club’s ambition and commitment to success. His belief in the team’s potential and his own drive to win trophies make him a perfect fit for the Gunners.