Arsenal have finalized the acquisition of Spain midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad for a transfer fee that could reach £31.6 million. The 28-year-old has signed a four-year contract with an additional 12-month option, with Arsenal agreeing to pay an initial £27.4 million plus up to £4.2 million in add-ons.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta commented, "Mikel is a player who will bring us huge quality with his experience and versatility."
Merino, a member of Spain’s Euro 2024-winning squad, participated in all seven matches of the tournament and scored a decisive goal in extra time against Germany in the quarter-finals.
Merino is Arsenal's third signing of the current transfer window, following the arrivals of Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori and Spain goalkeeper David Raya. The latter's signing was completed after the club activated an option to buy him from Brentford, following his loan move a year earlier.
Arteta also noted, "Mikel will make our squad significantly stronger, with his technical ability, together with his strong and positive character and personality." He added, “As we all saw in the summer, Mikel is also a winner, with his strong performances throughout the Euros helping Spain win the tournament.”
Merino, who can play as a deeper-lying midfielder, is expected to complement Declan Rice, who often played a 'box-to-box' role last season. He will also provide competition in the midfield alongside Rice, Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Martin Odegaard.
Previously, Merino played in the Premier League with Newcastle for a year before joining Real Sociedad in 2018. He played alongside Odegaard during the 2019-20 season when Odegaard was on loan from Real Madrid. Merino, who has 28 international caps, made 45 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring eight goals.
