ARSENAL FC unveiled new signing, Mikel Merino, at Sobha Realty Training Centre Tuesday, August 27, 2024 in London Colney, England, with the midfielder admitting he is excited for the season ahead after joining Arsenal from Real Sociedad.
Having chased his signature intensely over the last eight weeks, the Gunners have finally wrapped a deal believed to be in the region of £27.4million (€32.5m) plus £4.2million (€5m) in add-ons.
After signing all the necessary documents and completing medical tests, Arsenal announced the signing of the Spain international on Tuesday afternoon. Fresh off penning a four-year deal, with an option for a further 12 months, Merino spoke to his teammates after being welcomed to the club by Arteta.
“Thank you all for the warm welcome,” he said. “I’m very happy to be here with all of you. I’m just excited for the season, hopefully we can keep doing big things as you guys are doing. Just thank you.”
In his official interview on the club’s website, he added: “It was an easy decision [to join] because of the past years, how big the club is but also the ambition, not only watching the games but also talking to Edu and Mikel.”
“They explained the process they have been doing and the way they have been doing things, it gets easier for you to decide because you see the hunger and how they want to win. Me as a player, I want that in my career. I want to keep growing and winning is the main thing for me.”
Merino joins Riccardo Calafiori, David Raya and Tommy Setford as permanent arrivals this summer. Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares and Fabio Vieira have all departed on loan while Emile Smith Rowe looks set to be joined by Eddie Nketiah as first-team stars sealing permanent exits.
With the 28-year-old now in the building, Arteta will be hopeful he can make a swift impact with the Gunners having already picked up maximum points from their first two games. A tense clash at Villa Park was contested over the weekend between Arsenal and Aston Villa, though Arteta’s side came out 2-0 victors.
Up next for the Gunners is a home clash at Emirates Stadium against Brighton, with Merino expected to be available. Following that, a North London Derby away to Tottenham is on the agenda before they the face Premier League title rivals Manchester City.
Merino won the Copa del Rey with La Real in 2020 and has since become part of the senior Spain national team. He helped them to win the 2024 European Championship, scoring the winning goal in extra time against Germany in the quarter-finals of the competition.
He came on as a substitute against England in the final to help see out the 2-1 win. Merino will join the Arsenal midfield and add further options for Arteta to consider throughout the season.
Merino typically operates in the left No.8 midfield role for La Real but can also play in the No.6 or even as a No.10. He provides benefits in both the offensive and defensive thirds of the field and could see a change to Declan Rice’s positioning again, with the England international moving into a deeper position in the midfield.
Merino will join the squad for training this week ahead of the clash with Brighton on Saturday. He could then make his debut for the team against the Seagulls which kicks off at 3pm at the Emirates Stadium.
