Coach Mikel Arteta outlined four strengths that £27 million rookie Mikel Merino will bring to Arsenal. The 28-year-old midfielder joined Emirates from Spanish team Real Sociedad with a 4-year contract, with an option to extend for a further 12 months. The amount The Gunners must pay to Real Sociedad could increase to about £32 million with additional fees.
As a EURO 2024 champion and with experience of playing in the Champions League, Merino will strengthen Arsenal's midfield in their bid to win the Premier League title for the first time since 2004. Sources at Arsenal believe that, "Gunners" will get one of the best midfielders in Europe for a bargain transfer fee. Before arriving at the Emirates, the Spanish international entered the final year of his contract with Real Sociedad.
Meanwhile, Arteta has picked out four elements of Merino's playing style that will improve Arsenal. "Mikel Merino is a player who will bring us great quality with his experience and versatility. He has played at the top level for many years at both national and club level. Merino is sure Definitely a quality contract. He is also someone who brings positive energy both on and off the field.
As we saw in the summer, Merino is a champion, with strong performances throughout the tournament to help Spain win EURO 2024. We are delighted to welcome Merino and his family to Arsenal. I can't wait to start working with Merino," said Arteta.
Merino's experience combined with his technical ability, strong personality and winning spirit are all strengths that Arteta hopes to capitalize on in the new season. But it won't be easy for Merino to win a starting spot, as the 28-year-old has to compete with Declan Rice, Thomas Partey and Jorginho for one of the two spots behind captain Martin Odegaard.
Arsenal fans not only look forward to Merino's offensive ability but also his great defensive skill set. The EURO 2024 champion won more duels than any other player in Europe's top five leagues last season (326).
"I think it's a big part of my game and it shows my character. I want to fight in every ball and this is something I learned when I was very young. Maybe you win, or no. I don't promise to win every duel, but I can promise I will fight for every ball with 100% strength," Merino said.
Merino is the second rookie of the "Gunners" in the 2024 summer transfer window, after defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna. The Emirates Stadium team also bought goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford after a season on loan.
