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Arsenal Signs Spanish Midfielder Mikel Merino From Real Sociedad
Arsenal have completed the signing of Spain midfielder, Mikel Merino, from Real Sociedad.
An agreement in principle was struck on Thursday night between the clubs for an initial £28.4million transfer with a further £4.2m in add-ons, the PA news agency understands.
Merino completed his medical examination over the weekend and has been officially introduced as an Arsenal player, signing a four-year contract.
Mikel Merino will wear number 23 at Arsenal
Boss Mikel Arteta told the club’s official website, “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 several 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.”
Mikel Merino’s career path
The 28-year-old started his career at Osasuna before brief spells with Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle followed.
Following a lone season at Newcastle under Rafael Benitez, Merino made his return to Spain to join Real Sociedad, where he established himself as one of the top midfielders in the country.
International recognition followed and after Merino helped Spain win an Olympic gold at Tokyo in 2021, he played a key role in the nation’s Euro 2024 triumph last month and scored a 119th-minute winner against Germany in the last eight.
Merino departs Sociedad after 242 appearances, scoring 27 goals, and becomes Arsenal’s second major summer signing after Italy defender, Riccardo Calafiori, joined from Bologna.
Mikel Merino will wear number 23 at Arsenal
Arsenal sporting director Edu said, “We are so happy to have completed the transfer of Mikel Merino. This has been another great team effort from many people at the club to finalize the transfer of a player who attracted interest from several clubs over the summer.
“Mikel was a key target for us this summer, and we identified him as a player who can fit perfectly into our squad and profile to improve us, as we aim to build on our strong performances of last season.
“With Mikel’s arrival, he brings us an added high quality of experience, physicality, and athleticism as we look forward to this season ahead.
“We welcome Mikel and his family to the club, and look forward to seeing him play in the Arsenal shirt.”
Merino becomes Arsenal’s fourth signing of the transfer window after the permanent acquisition of goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford, Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori and Tommy Setford.
