Merino confident Arsenal chance will come amid limited minutes this season
Mikel Merino has called Arsenal the best team in the world right now and admits earning minutes is difficult.
Merino has struggled for a regular role at Arsenal this season and has started just once in the Premier League. The 30-year-old has played just 204 minutes of Premier League football and has been linked with a return to La Liga in January.
Spain teammate Martin Zubimendi has also been out-of-favour at the Emirates, with the 27-year-old not named in a Premier League starting side this season.
Atletico Madrid and Chelsea have been linked with signing Zubimendi, though the midfielder insisted he remains happy at Arsenal.
Merino has echoed that view, and said both players are aware of the challenge to earn a regular role in Mikel Arteta's side. He called Arsenal the best team in world football right now, but is confident opportunities will come in North London.
Merino and Zubimendi keep faith at Arsenal as they wait for their chance in Arteta’s side
"Both Martin and I are fully aware of the current situation at Arsenal," Merino said at a press conference.
"In my view, it's the best club in the world. The best team in the world right now with a very deep squad, where even those outside the starting XI are starting calibre. It's very difficult to get minutes.
"The manager has a lot of faith in us and we both understand what our current roles are. It's a long season, and circumstances could easily change. We're both staying calm and are fully committed to training as hard as we can, waiting for the manager to give us our chances. And then, once we get on the pitch, proving that we deserve to be there."
