Arsenal has confirmed the acquisition of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad with a long-term contract.
Mikel Arteta will have an additional midfield option in the form of the 28-year-old midfielder, complementing Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
Merino is a midfielder known for his versatility, capable of playing in either the No. 6 or No. 8 position.
With 326 duels won, he outperformed all other players in Europe’s top five leagues last season, and his addition to Arteta’s midfield will bring an extra level of intensity.
“Mikel is a player who will bring us huge quality with his experience and versatility,” said Arteta.
“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 thrilled to have Mikel and his family join the club and to begin collaborating with him.
Merino’s departure is unwelcome news for La Real, which preferred to keep the midfielder on their team.
However, since they couldn’t reach a new agreement with a player who had just one year remaining on his contract, the Basque team chose to minimize their losses.
He played in six matches for the Euro 2024 winning team of La Roja, scoring a decisive goal in extra time against hosts Germany in the quarterfinals.
In addition to his Euro 2024 triumph, Merino has achieved international recognition in Spain’s youth teams, winning the Under-19 European Championship in 2019 and 2015.
Furthermore, he has claimed victory in the UEFA Nations League and possesses German Cup and Spanish Cup titles from his tenure with Borussia Dortmund and Real Sociedad, respectively.
Arsenal secures Merino as their third signing of the season, joining David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori.