Arsenal have increased their summer spending spree to nearly £100 million after the team finally announced the arrival of Mikel Merino.
The Pitch Prospect has learned that the 28-year-old has moved to the Emirates from Real Sociedad in a £32 million deal.
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Merino has joined the Premier League title contender on an initial four-year contract with the option of a further twelve months.
With his return to the English top league after a guest appearance at Newcastle in the 2017/18 season, one of the most drawn-out transfers of this transfer period comes to an end.
We told you earlier this month that the north London giants had opened talks with Sociedad after targeting him for the entirety of 2024.
But Sociedad were unwilling to give up any stake in the midfielder who helped Spain win the 2024 European Championship – where he played in all seven games in Germany – for less than £30 million.
Merino, who rejected a contract extension at the Reale Arena, had only his eye on Arsenal despite interest from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
He has taken over the jersey with the number 23 for the club.
Coach Mikel Arteta said: “Mikel is a player who will bring us enormous quality with his experience and versatility. He has now played at the highest level for several seasons at club and international level. Mikel will make our squad significantly stronger with his technical skills as well as his strong and positive character and personality.
“As we all saw over the summer, Mikel is also a winner. His strong performances throughout the European Championship helped 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.”
His signing brings Arsenal’s total spend to £97 million, having secured the services of versatile Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori for £38 million from Bologna.
And the temporary loan of Merino’s international teammate David Raya from Brentford was converted into a permanent stay for £27 million.
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His debut for the Gunners could come on Saturday against Brighton, which could force Mikel Arteta to overhaul his midfield.
Declan Rice, who has played as a left-back wearing the number 8 since joining from West Ham, could drop back to his natural position as number 6.
The more offensive-minded Merino would be used in a box-to-box role.
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This could result in Thomas Partey ending up on the bench and Rice becoming the club’s only defensive midfielder.
Captain Martin Odegaard would then retain his place on the right side of Arsenal’s midfield.
Arsenal fans will be hoping that Merino is not the last signing of the summer as they desperately hope to sign a new striker.
Meanwhile, The Pitch Prospect has learned that Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has been given permission to undergo a medical at Crystal Palace.
The two clubs have agreed on a £30 million deal, consisting of £25 million guaranteed and a further £5 million in add-ons.
The English striker was close to joining Nottingham Forest, but the deal fell through when Nketiah rejected the striker’s interest.
However, he is keen to move to South London and become the Eagles’ highest-paid player. If he passes the medical, the contract should be finalised shortly.
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