Arsenal have signed Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino for a reported fee of £27.4 million plus £4.2m in add-ons.
Merino joins the Gunners from the Spanish side Real Sociedad on an initial four-year deal and can extend it for 12 months.
The 28-year-old has carved a good reputation after being featured in all of Spain’s seven matches at the Euro 2024, where the Spaniards won the tournament.
Merino would compete with Ghana’s Thomas Partey and Italian Jorginho for the defensive midfield position or deep-lying midfield role at the Gunners.
Partey has started both of Arsenal’s opening matches in the English Premier League, scoring in the last game vs Aston Villa but the Ghanaian has looked shaky in the latter part of matches for the North London club in recent times.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could not hide his joy at his latest addition, having signed Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori and Spain goalkeeper David Raya earlier this season.
“Mikel will make our squad significantly stronger, with his technical ability, together with his strong and positive character and personality,” added Arteta.
“As we all saw in the summer, Mikel is also a winner, with his strong performances throughout the Euros helping Spain win the tournament.”
