Arsenal have signed Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad. he 28-year-old has signed a four-year contract, with an option for an extra year, after Arsenal agreed to an initial fee of £27.4m, plus £4.2m in potential add-ons.
Since joining Real Sociedad in 2018, the 28-year-old midfielder has been a key figure, making 242 appearances while contributing 27 goals and 30 assists from central midfield. Merino began his journey at Osasuna before moving to Borussia Dortmund in 2016. He then had a loan spell at Newcastle United, which was made permanent by Rafa Benitez. Shortly after, Real Sociedad activated his release clause.
Merino is known for his ability to play as a deep-lying midfielder, a role that is expected to complement Declan Rice, who occasionally played as a box-to-box midfielder last season.
His arrival gives Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta another strong option in midfield, adding depth alongside Rice, Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Martin Odegaard.
Mikel Arteta said:
“Mikel is a player who will bring us huge quality with his experience and versatility. He has played at the top of the game at both club and international level for a number of seasons now. Mikel will make our squad significantly stronger, with his technical ability, together with his strong and positive character and personality”
“As we all saw in the summer, Mikel is also a winner, with his strong performances throughout the Euros helping Spain win the tournament. We are delighted to welcome Mikel and his family to the club and can’t wait to start working with him.”
