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Callum McAvoyPublished Aug 27, 2024, 3:57pm|Updated Aug 27, 2024, 3:58pm
Arsenal have announced the signing of Euro 2024 winner and defensive midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad.
Following the arrival of Riccardo Califiori from Bologna, Mikel Arteta turned his attention to signing a new No.6 with Merino quickly emerging as his top target.
Sociedad have been reluctant to sell their prized assets this summer as evidenced by Liverpool’s failed transfer for Martin Zubimendi, which protracted negotiations for Merino even though he was in the final year of his contract
But Arsenal have got the deal done, paying the La Liga club €33.5million (£28.4m) with another €5m (£4.2m) in potential add-ons for the 28-year-old.
Regarded as one of best defensive midfielders in Spain, Merino helped his country win the Euros earlier this summer, notably scoring a last minute winner against hosts Germany in the quarter-finals.
This will not be his first time playing in the Premier League however, having previously spent a season with Newcastle United, which followed spells at Borussia Dortmund and Osasuna.
Arsenal travel to Aston Villa on Saturday evening with Merino likely to make his debut next weekend when the Gunners host Brighton at the Emirates.
More to follow…
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