Arsenal complete signing of Mikel Merino

Arsenal have signed Spanish international Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad for an original fee of £ 27 million including £ 4 million for potential add-ons. The Spaniard has signed on a four-year contract with the potential for a further 12 months and has become the Gunners' fourth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Tommy Setford, Riccardo Calafiori, and the permanent transfer of David Raya. Merino featured in all of Spain's games on their way to victory in the nation's European Championship victory in the summer and scored the winner in the quarter-final victory over Germany. His combative style of play was a decisive factor in Mikel Arteta signing him for Arsenal with Merino having won more duals than any other player in Europe's big-five leagues last season. Arteta is quoted as saying "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 the club and international levels 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." Merino originally signed for Real Sociedad in 2018 from Newcastle United, made 242 appearances for the club, and played a pivotal role in helping the club win the Copa del Rey in 2020. Merino also enjoyed success with Spain in the youth ranks having helped Spain's U19 and U21 to European Championship glory in 2015 and 2019 respectively. At 6ft 2in Merino adds further height to the Arsenal first XI which he is likely to fill in midfield alongside Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.