Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Euro 2024 winner Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad.
After adding Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna and making David Raya's deal permanent, Mikel Arteta turned his attention to signing a new central midfielder with Merino quickly emerging as his top target.
Arsenal's interest in the 28-year-old predates this summer's European Championship, though, with the Spaniard viewed by the club as the ideal player to operate alongside Declan Rice in midfield.
The Gunners had been locked in negotiations with Real Sociedad since the midfielder's return from Euro 2024 and finally reached an agreement with the La Liga club late last week.
Merino was left out of La Real's first two matchday squads amid the negotiations and arrived in London over the weekend to complete his medical.
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Arsenal confirm Mikel Merino signing
Arsenal confirmed the signing of Mikel Merino moments ago on their official X account, stating: "Ready to achieve big things – together.
"Welcome to The Arsenal, Mikel Merino."
It is understood that the Spain international had been signed in a deal worth around £27.4m plus £4.2m in add-ons.
The 28-year-old has penned a four-year contract, with an option for an additional 12 months, and has been assigned squad number 23.
Real Sociedad signed the midfielder from Newcastle United, and since then, Merino has accumulated nearly 200 appearances in La Liga for the Basque side, a period during which he also broke into the Spain national team.
Atletico Madrid and Barcelona were also linked with moves for the Spaniard but it is understood that he preferred a move back to the Premier League and is keen to work with Arteta.
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Arteta comments on Merino arrival
After weeks of speculation, Arteta was finally able to openly provide his take on the arrival of the 28-year-old. He 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."
Merino has already completed his medical and is expected to be integrated into the first team ahead of a possible debut against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend.
Devesh Jaganath
