Arsenal have signed midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad.
The 28-year-old Spain international becomes Arsenal’s third senior recruit of the summer, after defender Riccardo Calafiori arrived from Bologna and goalkeeper David Raya was signed on a permanent transfer from Brentford.
He will wear the No 23 shirt at Emirates Stadium.
Ready to achieve big things – together ❤️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 27, 2024
Welcome to The Arsenal, Mikel Merino 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/WhbHXMaV1p
Manager Mikel Arteta told the club's official website: “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."
Why have Arsenal signed him?
A combative midfielder, Merino is ideally suited to providing cover for Declan Rice, but he could also play alongside the England international, especially in matches where Arteta wants another ball-winner and where aerial duels will be important.
Who is Mikel Merino?
Born in Pamplona, Navarre, on 22 June 1996, Merino began his youth career with Amigo before moving to Osasuna. After playing for their reserves, he was promoted to the senior side in January 2015 and would go on to become a regular in the first team.
The following year, Merino moved to Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund but played only nine times before making the switch to the Premier League with Newcastle United on a season-long loan in July 2017. Merino made 25 appearances for Newcastle, scoring once, a winning header against Crystal Palace in October 2017.
He returned to Spain in July 2018 on a five-year deal with Real Sociedad and helped the club win the Copa del Rey two years later in 2020.
That summer, Merino earned his first senior cap for Spain, and he has since played 28 times for his country.
He was part of the Spain squad for UEFA EURO 2024, memorably scoring a header in the 119th minute to win the quarter-final 2-1 against Germany. Merino came off the bench in the final to help Spain beat England 2-1.
15 things you need to know about Mikel Merino
When could Merino make his debut?
Arsenal will aim to continue their 100 per cent start to the season when they host Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday lunchtime.