Arsenal Secures Transfer of Euro 2024 Champion Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad

Arsenal have officially confirmed the acquisition of Mikel Merino, the defensive midfielder and champion of Euro 2024, from Real Sociedad.

Following the arrival of Riccardo Califiori from Bologna, Mikel Arteta turned his attention to signing a new No.6 with Merino quickly emerging as his top target.

La Real have been reluctant to sell their prized assets this summer as evidenced by Liverpool’s failed transfer for Martin Zubimendi, which protracted negotiations for Merino even though he was in the final year of his contract

But Arsenal have got the deal done, paying the La Liga club £27.4m with another £4.2m in potential add-ons for the 28-year-old.

Regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in Spain, Merino helped his country win the Euros earlier this summer, notably scoring a last-minute winner against hosts Germany in the quarter-finals.

Announcing the signing, Arsenal boss Arteta said: ‘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. We are delighted to welcome Mikel and his family to the club and can’t wait to start working with him.’

This will not be his first time playing in the Premier League however, having previously spent a season with Newcastle United, which followed spells at Borussia Dortmund and Osasuna.

Sporting Director Edu added: ‘We are so happy to have completed the transfer of Mikel Merino. This has been another great team effort from many people at the club to finalise the transfer of a player who attracted interest from a number of clubs over the summer.

‘Mikel was a key target for us this summer, and we identified him as a player who can fit perfectly into our squad and profile to improve us, as we aim to build on our strong performances of last season. With Mikel’s arrival, he brings us an added high quality of experience, physicality and athleticism as we look forward to this season ahead.

‘We welcome Mikel and his family to the club, and look forward to seeing him play in the Arsenal shirt.’

Merino could make his debut this Saturday at the Emirates when the Gunners host Brighton.

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