Mikel Merino has moved from Real Sociedad to Arsenal for £33 million.
There is a four-year deal for the 28-year-old player to play at the Emirates. He will wear the No. 23 shirt while he is there.
Merino was on the winning Spain team at Euro 2024. He played in all 16 games and helped Luis de la Fuente’s team beat England in the final last month.
Mikel Arteta praised his new player’s flexibility and technical skill after the deal was finalized.
Arteta said, “Mikel is a player who will bring us a lot of quality with his experience and many skills.”
“He has been at the top of his game for many years, both with his club and for his country.” Mikel’s technical skills and strong, positive personality will make our team much better.
It was clear to everyone in the summer that Mikel was also a winner. His great play at the Euros helped Spain win the event. We’re thrilled that Mikel and his family have joined the club and can’t wait to get to work with him.
He also said, “We are so happy to have completed the transfer of Mikel Merino.” Edu is the sporting director at Arsenal.
After a lot of hard work from many people at the club, the move of a player who was wanted by many clubs over the summer was finally completed.
We wanted to get Mikkel this summer because we thought he would be a great addition to our team and help us get better as we try to build on our strong season last year.
“With Mikel’s addition, we have even more experience, strength, and speed as we look forward to the upcoming season.”The Arsenal team is happy to have Mikel and his family join us. We can’t wait to see him play for us.
Merino met his new teammates in a video posted on the Gunners’ social media pages.
He said, “Thank you all for the warm welcome.” “I’m glad to be here with all of you.”
“I’m just excited for this season. I hope we can keep doing big things like you guys have.” Thank you.
After starting with Osasuna, Merino played for a short time at Borussia Dortmund before moving to Newcastle in 2017.
He finally got a permanent loan deal, but his time in the North East wouldn’t last long as he went back to Spain the next year.
When he joined Real Sociedad, Merino quickly became an important player. In 2019–20, they won the Copa del Rey, ending a 34-year title drought.
Merino’s play at the Anoeta Stadium was so good that Spain called him up for the first time as a senior player in 2020.
In all, he played 242 times for the team and scored 27 goals. This is Arsenal’s second new player of the summer, and they will be looking to battle Manchester City for the top spot in the Premier League this season.
Before Riccardo Calafiori came from Bologna for £42 million later that same month, David Raya made his loan move from Brentford permanent.
Arteta’s team has had a great start to the season, with two wins out of two.