Arsenal have finalized the acquisition of Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad for a transfer fee potentially rising to £31.6 million.
The 28-year-old Merino has signed a four-year contract with the option for an additional 12 months. The deal includes an initial payment of £27.4 million, with an additional £4.2 million in performance-related add-ons.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta commented, “Mikel is a player who will bring us huge quality with his experience and versatility.”
Merino, who was part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2024, appeared in all seven matches of the tournament and scored a decisive late goal in extra time against Germany during the quarter-final stage.
He becomes Arsenal’s third signing of the transfer window, following the arrivals of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori and Spanish goalkeeper David Raya, the latter of whom was signed permanently from Brentford after a loan spell.
Arteta also noted, “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.”
Merino, who can play as a deeper-lying midfielder, is expected to complement Declan Rice, who played a ‘box-to-box’ role at times last season. Merino will provide additional competition in midfield, alongside Rice, Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Martin Odegaard.
Having previously played in the Premier League with Newcastle United before joining Real Sociedad in 2018, Merino has experience in English football. He played alongside Odegaard during the 2019-20 season when Odegaard was on loan from Real Madrid.
The new signing, with 28 international caps, made 45 club appearances in all competitions last season, netting eight goals.
