Latest news with #Merino
The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Zubimendi opens up on Arsenal transfer as he's reunited with Merino 12 months on from audacious double transfer plot
MARTIN ZUBIMENDI has already reached new heights at Arsenal without kicking a ball. The Gunners' £51million signing is all smiles overlooking an incredible skyline on the tallest rooftop bar in Singapore. Advertisement 6 Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi has reunited with ex-Real Sociedad team-mate Mikel Merino 6 Arsenal had been wanting to sign both Zubimendi and Merino since last year 6 Zubimendi and Merino also play together for Spain and won Euro 2024 6 Merino will work as a mentor for Zubimendi at Arsenal And it is fitting that he is sat next to his old Real Sociedad and Spain pal Mikel Merino, given the pair were involved in an audaciously orchestrated double-whammy transfer by Arsenal and boss Arteta wanted to bring both to the Emirates last summer, but with Socieded reluctant to lose two midfielders in the same window, a deal was struck to allow Merino to leave in August 2024 and then It was a pre-agreed transfer masterplan complicated by Liverpool's attempts to snatch Zubimendi last summer too. Advertisement Read More on Arsenal But when talks with Arne Slot's Reds collapsed, Arteta pounced and the transfer was finally rubber-stamped in March – even amid a late play from Real Madrid. When told about 'We didn't speak much about it. Even with the national team we didn't touch that subject. We didn't talk about our future, but I'm really happy for him to be here. 'We have a great relationship. Hopefully we can keep building our story together in this great club.' Advertisement Most read in Football San Sebastian-born Zubimendi said: 'It wasn't an easy time because initially I was thinking about staying at Real Sociedad but when important offers came up I would think about new things. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 'The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to stay at Sociedad. It wasn't the right time [to leave last summer]. 'I saw that Sociedad was still a step forward for me and the things I had to give were important. So the best thing for me was to stay. Advertisement Arsenal unveil Martin Zubimendi after he completes £51million transfer from Real Sociedad 'I don't know what [Arteta] saw in me but what I saw in him is that he's a top coach in Europe. 'When I wanted to leave I wanted a quality coach. I've seen how obsessive and detailed he is with his game so I think I've found the right one. 'It's a change for me. It's the change I wanted. And since the first day I've been here I've noticed the greatness of this club and I'm adapting.' Arteta is plotting more elite, mega-money incomings, with Sporting Lisbon striker and long-term target Advertisement But as things stand, Zubimendi is Arsenal's statement arrival this summer and knows the pressure is on to be one of the missing pieces of the jigsaw in the club's bid to go from Prem runners-up to champions for the first time in 21 years. On if he can be the difference maker, Zubimendi said: 'Hopefully. The most important thing this club has is that it learns from previous seasons. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates 'That is going to be key to being even closer to the goals they set. Ultimately, football comes down to details, especially in the Champions League. Advertisement 'Arsenal were the only team in that semi-final who truly stood up to PSG, and they let it slip because of minor details.' At the end of the day, football is all about the details. I followed them in the Champions League and in that semi-final [defeat], Arsenal were the only team that really put their face to the Paris Saint-Germain and they really missed the details.' The Spain international – who played a starring role in his country's Euro 2024 final triumph over England – is a masterful dictator of the ball from deep, but also a dogged and willing defender. It is no surprise that he looks up to Manchester City's Rodri. Advertisement Asked what Arteta expects from him in Arsenal's midfield three, Zubimendi – who could make his debut in a friendly against AC Milan on Wednesday – continued: 'He is a coach who demands a lot of things from the midfielders. 6 Merino to mentor Zubmendi 'I'm going to try and do things I didn't do before from that position: give the ball a balance and give it the right way out.' Advertisement Merino says he will act as a mentor for Zubimendi – who he played with at Sociedad between 2019 and 2024, and still does with the national team – and will even help him look for a house near the club's London Colney base. Merino added: 'We have the same mentality of being close to the training ground so we can spend more time there and not waste too much time in the car driving because traffic in London is crazy. It's about football first and then life. 'I don't have any advice to give him because he's an amazing player. The only thing I would say is to be patient when things are not going your way. 'You need time to adapt. But he is going to be ready. He is really smart. He's here because this club provides you with the right atmosphere to build big things, to fight for the big titles.' Advertisement ***Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino were speaking at adidas' launch of Arsenal's 2025/26 away shirt. To buy, visit: 6
Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Zubimendi opens up on Arsenal transfer as he's reunited with Merino 12 months on from audacious double transfer plot
Martin Zubimendi will have a lot of help in his bid to anchor Arsenal's midfield ON THE MEND Zubimendi opens up on Arsenal transfer as he's reunited with Merino 12 months on from audacious double transfer plot MARTIN ZUBIMENDI has already reached new heights at Arsenal without kicking a ball. The Gunners' £51million signing is all smiles overlooking an incredible skyline on the tallest rooftop bar in Singapore. 6 Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi has reunited with ex-Real Sociedad team-mate Mikel Merino 6 Arsenal had been wanting to sign both Zubimendi and Merino since last year 6 Zubimendi and Merino also play together for Spain and won Euro 2024 6 Merino will work as a mentor for Zubimendi at Arsenal ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest rumours from the Emirates And it is fitting that he is sat next to his old Real Sociedad and Spain pal Mikel Merino, given the pair were involved in an audaciously orchestrated double-whammy transfer by Arsenal and boss Mikel Arteta stretching back 12 months. Arteta wanted to bring both to the Emirates last summer, but with Socieded reluctant to lose two midfielders in the same window, a deal was struck to allow Merino to leave in August 2024 and then Zubimendi to join him the following season. It was a pre-agreed transfer masterplan complicated by Liverpool's attempts to snatch Zubimendi last summer too. But when talks with Arne Slot's Reds collapsed, Arteta pounced and the transfer was finally rubber-stamped in March – even amid a late play from Real Madrid. When told about Arsenal's unique negotiation tactic, Merino admitted: 'I didn't know [Zubimendi] was coming. We were really focused on the present. 'We didn't speak much about it. Even with the national team we didn't touch that subject. We didn't talk about our future, but I'm really happy for him to be here. 'We have a great relationship. Hopefully we can keep building our story together in this great club.' San Sebastian-born Zubimendi said: 'It wasn't an easy time because initially I was thinking about staying at Real Sociedad but when important offers came up I would think about new things. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 'The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to stay at Sociedad. It wasn't the right time [to leave last summer]. 'I saw that Sociedad was still a step forward for me and the things I had to give were important. So the best thing for me was to stay. Arsenal unveil Martin Zubimendi after he completes £51million transfer from Real Sociedad 'I don't know what [Arteta] saw in me but what I saw in him is that he's a top coach in Europe. 'When I wanted to leave I wanted a quality coach. I've seen how obsessive and detailed he is with his game so I think I've found the right one. 'It's a change for me. It's the change I wanted. And since the first day I've been here I've noticed the greatness of this club and I'm adapting.' Arteta is plotting more elite, mega-money incomings, with Sporting Lisbon striker and long-term target Viktor Gyokeres on the verge of joining for £63.5m. But as things stand, Zubimendi is Arsenal's statement arrival this summer and knows the pressure is on to be one of the missing pieces of the jigsaw in the club's bid to go from Prem runners-up to champions for the first time in 21 years. On if he can be the difference maker, Zubimendi said: 'Hopefully. The most important thing this club has is that it learns from previous seasons. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates 'That is going to be key to being even closer to the goals they set. Ultimately, football comes down to details, especially in the Champions League. 'Arsenal were the only team in that semi-final who truly stood up to PSG, and they let it slip because of minor details.' At the end of the day, football is all about the details. I followed them in the Champions League and in that semi-final [defeat], Arsenal were the only team that really put their face to the Paris Saint-Germain and they really missed the details.' The Spain international – who played a starring role in his country's Euro 2024 final triumph over England – is a masterful dictator of the ball from deep, but also a dogged and willing defender. It is no surprise that he looks up to Manchester City's Rodri. Asked what Arteta expects from him in Arsenal's midfield three, Zubimendi – who could make his debut in a friendly against AC Milan on Wednesday – continued: 'He is a coach who demands a lot of things from the midfielders. 6 TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW Merino to mentor Zubmendi 'I'm going to try and do things I didn't do before from that position: give the ball a balance and give it the right way out.' Merino says he will act as a mentor for Zubimendi – who he played with at Sociedad between 2019 and 2024, and still does with the national team – and will even help him look for a house near the club's London Colney base. Merino added: 'We have the same mentality of being close to the training ground so we can spend more time there and not waste too much time in the car driving because traffic in London is crazy. It's about football first and then life. 'I don't have any advice to give him because he's an amazing player. The only thing I would say is to be patient when things are not going your way. 'You need time to adapt. But he is going to be ready. He is really smart. He's here because this club provides you with the right atmosphere to build big things, to fight for the big titles.' ***Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino were speaking at adidas' launch of Arsenal's 2025/26 away shirt. To buy, visit:
South Wales Guardian
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
George giggles with Charlotte and Louis in behind-the-scenes 12th birthday video
George is shown laughing as he and Charlotte both lift a giggling Louis up in their arms during an outdoor photoshoot, with George holding his younger brother around his chest and Charlotte holding his legs. The upbeat video montage, filmed by Kensington Palace's in-house social media team, shows the trio smiling as they stride along holding hands in the sunshine, with Louis in the middle of his brother and sister. 12 today! 🎉 — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 22, 2025 The royal siblings also pose for a family portrait with Charlotte and Louis sitting on a rustic wooden gate as George leans next to them. The Prince and Princess of Wales released a new solo colour photograph of their eldest child George, taken when the video was shot, to mark him turning 12 on Tuesday. The future king – one year away from being a teenager – is pictured smiling and relaxed as he leans on the gate in the Norfolk countryside. George is wearing a white checked shirt with rolled up sleeves and a dark green fleece gilet, and a blue and white friendship bracelet can be seen on his left wrist as he rests his folded arms on the gate. The image, posted on Kensington Palace's social media, was taken by photographer Josh Shinner earlier this year. It was accompanied by the message: 'Happy 12th Birthday to Prince George!' followed by a cake emoji. The royal family also sent its congratulation to George, wishing him a 'very happy birthday'. Happy 12th Birthday to Prince George! 🎂 — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 22, 2025 George, whose birthday falls during his summer break from school, has one year left at his prep school Lambrook before he moves on to his senior school – with either Eton or Marlborough College thought to be the frontrunners. The prince joined his parents and sister Princess Charlotte at the Wimbledon men's final earlier this month, where he used a fan to keep cool in the royal box in the blazing afternoon sun. In June, George was seen nudging his boisterous younger brother Louis on the Buckingham Palace balcony to wave more calmly at the crowd following the Trooping the Colour ceremony. Prince George Alexander Louis was born in the private Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London, at 4.24pm on July 22 2013, weighing 8lb 6oz. He made his debut in front of the world's media on the hospital steps one day later, wrapped in a white Merino wool shawl, cradled in his mother's arms.
North Wales Chronicle
a day ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
George giggles with Charlotte and Louis in behind-the-scenes 12th birthday video
George is shown laughing as he and Charlotte both lift a giggling Louis up in their arms during an outdoor photoshoot, with George holding his younger brother around his chest and Charlotte holding his legs. The upbeat video montage, filmed by Kensington Palace's in-house social media team, shows the trio smiling as they stride along holding hands in the sunshine, with Louis in the middle of his brother and sister. 12 today! 🎉 — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 22, 2025 The royal siblings also pose for a family portrait with Charlotte and Louis sitting on a rustic wooden gate as George leans next to them. The Prince and Princess of Wales released a new solo colour photograph of their eldest child George, taken when the video was shot, to mark him turning 12 on Tuesday. The future king – one year away from being a teenager – is pictured smiling and relaxed as he leans on the gate in the Norfolk countryside. George is wearing a white checked shirt with rolled up sleeves and a dark green fleece gilet, and a blue and white friendship bracelet can be seen on his left wrist as he rests his folded arms on the gate. The image, posted on Kensington Palace's social media, was taken by photographer Josh Shinner earlier this year. It was accompanied by the message: 'Happy 12th Birthday to Prince George!' followed by a cake emoji. The royal family also sent its congratulation to George, wishing him a 'very happy birthday'. Happy 12th Birthday to Prince George! 🎂 — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 22, 2025 George, whose birthday falls during his summer break from school, has one year left at his prep school Lambrook before he moves on to his senior school – with either Eton or Marlborough College thought to be the frontrunners. The prince joined his parents and sister Princess Charlotte at the Wimbledon men's final earlier this month, where he used a fan to keep cool in the royal box in the blazing afternoon sun. In June, George was seen nudging his boisterous younger brother Louis on the Buckingham Palace balcony to wave more calmly at the crowd following the Trooping the Colour ceremony. Prince George Alexander Louis was born in the private Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London, at 4.24pm on July 22 2013, weighing 8lb 6oz. He made his debut in front of the world's media on the hospital steps one day later, wrapped in a white Merino wool shawl, cradled in his mother's arms.
Metro
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
William and Kate share adorable new video of George, Charlotte and Louis
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The young royals have shown off their cheeky side in a touching new video released for Prince George's 12th birthday. Second-in-line to the throne, George has made a number of public appearances in his short life. The video, filmed by Kensington Palace's in-house social media team, showed George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis smiling as they walked in the sunshine, before the older two children tried to lift up Louis. George and Charlotte both beamed as they lifted a giggling Louis up in their arms during an outdoor photoshoot, with George holding his younger brother around his chest and Charlotte holding his legs. The royal siblings also posed for a family portrait with Charlotte and Louis sitting on a rustic wooden gate as George leans next to them. The Prince and Princess of Wales released a new solo colour photograph of their eldest child. The future king, one year away from being a teenager, is pictured smiling and relaxed as he leans on the gate in the Norfolk countryside. 'Happy 12th Birthday to Prince George!', a post on social media read. George, whose birthday falls during his summer break from school, has one year left at his prep school, Lambrook, before he moves on to his senior school – with either Eton or Marlborough College. The prince also joined his parents and sister Princess Charlotte at the Wimbledon men's final earlier this month. In June, George was seen nudging his boisterous younger brother Louis on the Buckingham Palace balcony to wave more calmly at the crowd following the Trooping the Colour ceremony. Prince George was born in the private Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London, at 4.24 pm on July 22, 2013, weighing 8lb 6oz. He made his debut in front of the world's media on the hospital steps one day later, wrapped in a white Merino wool shawl, cradled in his mother's arms. More Trending In 2014, the young prince went on a three-week tour of Australia and New Zealand with his parents, where he met a bilby called George, who was named after him. He famously met President Barack Obama in his pyjamas while playing on his rocking horse. Prince George was also all smiles throughout the Platinum Jubilee weekend, which celebrated 70 years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign. He also played an important role in his grandfather's coronation last year, as one of four page boys during the ceremony. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Alexander Isak odds: Would Newcastle really sell their star striker to Arsenal or Liverpool? MORE: I'm a beauty writer and this is how you get £145 worth of K-Beauty for just £45 MORE: Prince William and Harry's cousin found dead 'with gun nearby'
