Mikel Merino has officially signed with Arsenal from Real Sociedad, the north London club announced on Tuesday.
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The deal is official
Merino, 28, signed a four-year deal worth €37.5 million.
The midfielder was part of the Spain team that won the EURO 2024 title.
Merino even scored the extra-time winner against tournament hosts Germany in the quarterfinals.
He joined Real Sociedad in 2018, and has registered 27 goals and 30 asissts in 242 appearances for the Basque club.
However, Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil left Merino out of the squad for their LaLiga opener against Rayo Vallecano as talks were advancing with Arsenal at that time.
Arsenal excited to welcome Merino
Arsenal already has its eyes on Merino during the summer transfer window.
Club’s sporting director Edu expressed his excitement for the arrival of Merino.
“We are so happy to have completed the transfer of Mikel Merino,” he said.
“This has been another great team effort from many people at the club to finalise the transfer of a player who attracted interest from a number of 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.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes that Merino will help the squad win the Premier League title.
“Mikel is a player who will bring us huge quality with his experience and versatility,” he said.
“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.”
