Mikel Merino Joins Arsenal in £31.6M Transfer Deal

Mikel Merino has joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad for a transfer fee that could reach £31.6 million. The 28-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the option for an additional year. The deal includes an initial payment of £27.4 million plus up to £4.2 million in add-ons. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Merino’s quality, experience and versatility emphasizing that he will significantly strengthen the squad.

Merino was a key player for Spain during their victorious Euro 2024 campaign, appearing in all seven matches and scoring a decisive extra-time winner against Germany in the quarter-finals. Merino joins Arsenal as their third signing of the transfer window, following the arrivals of Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori and Spanish goalkeeper David Raya.

Raya’s transfer was made permanent after a successful loan spell from Brentford last season. Arteta believes Merino’s technical skills and positive character will enhance the team’s performance. In midfield, Mikel Merino is expected to complement Declan Rice, who played a box-to-box role last season. He adds another option alongside Jorginho, Thomas Partey and Martin Ødegaard.

Merino’s Premier League experience from his previous stint at Newcastle before joining Real Sociedad in 2018 will be valuable. He previously played alongside Ødegaard during the Norwegian’s loan at Sociedad from Real Madrid. Last season, Merino made 45 appearances for Real Sociedad and scored eight goals. His arrival at Arsenal is anticipated to bolster the midfield and contribute to the team’s ambitions in the upcoming season.