Transfer News: Arsenal sign Merino from Real Sociedad
The Gunners have made a new signing
Arsenal have successfully secured the signing of Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad in a deal potentially worth up to £31.6 million.
The 28-year-old is set to join the north London club on a four-year contract, with an option to extend for an additional year. Arsenal will pay an initial fee of £27.4 million, with a further £4.2 million in potential add-ons.
Merino was a key player in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, playing in all seven matches and netting a decisive extra-time goal against Germany in the quarter-finals.
He is Arsenal's third acquisition of the transfer window, following the signings of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori and Spanish goalkeeper David Raya, who joined permanently from Brentford after a loan spell.
Merino, known for his ability to play as a deep-lying midfielder, is expected to complement Declan Rice, who took on a box-to-box role at times last season. His arrival gives manager Mikel Arteta added flexibility in midfield, with Merino offering competition alongside Rice, Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Martin Ødegaard.
Having previously spent a season in the Premier League with Newcastle before his move to Real Sociedad in 2018, Merino is familiar with English football. Notably, he played alongside Ødegaard during the Norwegian's loan spell at Sociedad in the 2019-20 season.
The Spanish international, who has earned 28 caps for his country, made 45 appearances across all competitions last season, contributing eight goals.
Premier League: 2024/2025 season (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
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DJ, an Arsenal fan currently living in France, told us: "I think this is another great signing for the club. We have done some smart business in the transfer market this summer and believe these new players will have a fantastic impact for the club going forward."
