ARSENAL have sealed the deal to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, the English Premier League club have confirmed.
Spain midfielder Merino could cost the Gunners up to €37 million in total — €32m fixed fee and €5m in add-ons.
The contract is for four years plus an option of a fifth year.
“Spain international Mikel Merino has joined us from La Liga side Real Sociedad on a long-term contract,” Arsenal announced today on their official website.
“The 28-year-old midfielder has been a vital member of Sociedad’s team since joining the Basque side in 2018. In the heart of their midfield, he made 242 appearances, scoring 27 goals and assisting 30 times.
“Born in Pamplona, Spain, Mikel started his career with Osasuna. He progressed through their youth ranks into the first team, where he made 67 appearances and scored eight goals. In July 2016, he joined Borussia Dortmund and helped them win the German Cup the following May.
“That summer, Mikel joined Newcastle United on a season-long loan and, after making a strong early impression, he was signed on a permanent deal just a couple of months later, going on to make 24 Premier League appearances in his debut season.
“In 2018, Sociedad signed Mikel and he has played his football there ever since. He played an integral role as they won the 2020 Copa del Rey, and qualified for the Champions League last season, when he won more duels for possession than any other player in Europe’s top leagues, with 326 recoveries.
“Mikel is an experienced international with 28 appearances for Spain. At youth level, he won the European Under-19 Championship in 2015 and the European Under-21 Championship in 2019. He also has an Olympic silver medal, playing a key role in Spain’s second-place finish at the 2020 Games in Japan.”
Merino was part of the Spain squad that won the 2023 UEFA Nations League, beating Croatia 5-4 on penalties in the Rotterdam final.
He also helped his country win the European Championships in July, with Spain beating England 2-1 in the final, with Merino scoring a 119th-minute winner in their quarter-final victory against Germany.
Arsenal manage Mikel Arteta said after acquiring his fellow Spaniard: “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.”
Merino will wear the number 23 shirt at Arsenal.
