Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino are important members of the Spain national team, having helped their country win the World Cup in the summer. Merino played a particularly significant role, scoring crucial goals that contributed to Spain’s success.However, since the new season began, both players have struggled to secure regular places in Arsenal’s starting XI, with Mikel Arteta yet to find a consistent way to accommodate them in his team.Both midfielders were called up by Spain during the latest international break and once again demonstrated their quality. Nevertheless, their international performances do not guarantee that they will receive more playing time at Arsenal.Their limited involvement has raised questions among Spanish observers, particularly those who follow the careers of their national team players abroad. Zubimendi and Merino have the ability to contribute to Arsenal’s success, making their lack of regular starts a talking point.Spanish journalist questions Arsenal selection decisionsSpanish journalist Tomás Roncero has expressed his surprise at Arteta’s decision to leave both midfielders on the bench, suggesting that Real Madrid would gladly welcome them if Arsenal were unwilling to give them regular opportunities.Roncero believes their quality should make them important members of the starting line-up, particularly given their performances for Spain. His comments reflect the frustration surrounding the limited opportunities available to two established international players.(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Roncero suggests Real Madrid move for Arsenal duoSpeaking via Defensa Central, Roncero said: “I know you’ve won the Premier League and were runners-up in the UEFA Champions League, but how on earth can you have Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Merino on the bench?“I mean, send them to me, to Real Madrid. Let me have them, loan them to me. If you’re not going to play them, loan them to Madrid! Goodness me, Arteta. How can these lads not be starting if they’re both footballing machines?”Although Arsenal have enjoyed success under Arteta, Roncero believes Zubimendi and Merino deserve greater involvement. Whether their international performances lead to more regular starts remains to be seen, but their quality continues to attract attention beyond England._____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…More Stories / Latest NewsArsenal’s lack of usage of Merino and Zubimendi surprises Spanish journalist 9 October 2026, 13:00 €100m might not be enough for Arsenal to sign Serie A star9 October 2026, 12:00Arsenal makes offer for prodigy to avoid losing him to Liverpool9 October 2026, 10:30The post Arsenal’s lack of usage of Merino and Zubimendi surprises Spanish journalist appeared first on Just Arsenal News.