Last summer window, Arsenal spent 32 million euros to sign Merino from Real Sociedad. During the year the two separated, Merino and Zubimendi “didn’t talk much about the possibility of a reunion.
Merino said: "I think we were all fighting for important goals at the time. Last season was a very difficult season for me and he was very focused at Real Sociedad. Even in the national team, we didn't touch the topic. I guess I was only focused on my own things. I would ask him how it was happening at Real Sociedad, but we didn't talk about our future."
Signing Zubimendi and Norgo meant Merino would face greater competition as Rice and captain Odge played the same position. "The level and talent we have is incredible, not only in the midfield, but the entire roster," Merino said. "I think it's great to have these. Not only does it push us to push each other in every training and every game to be better, but, as we saw last year, we now have examples of how important it is to have a team with a deep roster and all players available. Because injuries can happen, because rotation is necessary. Hopefully this season we can prove that we are a strong roster."