EURO 2024 Winner Mikel Merino Joins Arsenal From Real Sociedad
Arsenal have augmented their midfield options with the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.
Real Sociedad have received an initial £27m fee for the 28-year-old, who has signed a four-year contract at the Emirates Stadium with the option for a further year.
Merino will wear the number 23 jersey at his new club.
This will be Merino's second stint in England, having featured for Newcastle United in the 2017/2018 season.
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder made 242 appearances for Sociedad after joining from the Magpies in 2018 and won the 2020 Copa del Rey.
He was a regular in the Spain's victorious squad at EURO 2024, scoring the winner against Germany in the quarterfinals.
Reacting to his fourth signing of the summer, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: "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."
