Fresh from celebrating Arsenal's 2025/26 Premier League title, Mikel Merino is already setting his sights on the World Cup this summer — and the Spain midfielder admits he would relish the chance to face his own Gunners team-mates on the international stage.

Merino singled out Declan Rice for particular praise when speaking to FourFourTwo, describing the England midfielder in glowing terms. "Declan Rice is just amazing," Merino said. "He's shown that all his life. He's a beast."

The Spain international went further, underlining just how highly he regards Rice's physical and leadership qualities. "He's been playing at the highest level season after season, playing every single game. The engine this guy has is just unbelievable — how he runs, how he supports his team-mates physically. He's a big leader as well. He's massive for Arsenal and for England."

A World Cup final rematch?

Spain defeated England in the Euro 2024 final and, should both nations progress from their groups at the World Cup, the two sides would not meet until the final once again. For Merino, such a scenario would mean going head-to-head with club colleagues he has just shared a title celebration with.

Rice is not the only Arsenal team-mate Merino has in his crosshairs. "It would be the same feeling if I'm lucky enough to face Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, or any of my other Arsenal team-mates," he said. "Facing these guys, if we get the chance, is going to be great. I love it, to be honest. I love to compete against the best."

Spain head to North America as reigning European champions and among the leading contenders to lift the World Cup trophy in July. The bond forged during Arsenal's title run — their first league crown after three successive runner-up finishes — may yet be tested on the biggest stage of all.