Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad for £28.4 million plus €5m in variables, according to The Athletic.
The 28-year-old Spanish international is expected to sign a four-year deal with the option of a further year after undergoing a medical.
Merino has been a long-term target for Arsenal, and his arrival will bolster their midfield options as they compete for the Premier League title again. The combative midfielder notched five goals and three assists while winning 56% of his duels in 32 La Liga appearances.
The former Newcastle United man is a versatile midfield operator who can play several roles, and his experience and leadership qualities will be valuable assets to the squad.
The left side of Arsenal’s midfield has been a cause for concern since Granit Xhaka left to join Bayer Leverkusen last year. Kai Havertz was initially deployed in that position but could not replicate Xhaka’s influence on the team’s build-up play.
Declan Rice’s move into a box-to-box role has been more effective, but it has strained Arsenal’s midfield, especially considering how injury-prone Thomas Partey is.
The Ghanaian international is expected to leave the club this summer, and Merino will be his replacement.
Merino’s arrival will provide much-needed depth and competition for places in the centre. The 2024 European Championship winner brings steel, technical ability, and a knack for big goals to the Emirates.
Interestingly, Merino enjoyed an excellent playing relationship with Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard when he was at the Basque club.
The pair thrived in a 4-3-3 system like the one manager Mikel Arteta currently uses, and the Spaniard will hope they strike that chord again.
Overall, the signing of Mikel Merino is a positive step for Arsenal. He is a proven quality player who will add depth, experience, and leadership to their midfield. His arrival is likely to have a significant impact on Arsenal’s fortunes in the coming season.
He becomes their third summer signing after completing deals for David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori.
