Arsenal make Mikel Merino signing official

Arsenal announced on social media that Mikel Merino has officially signed with the club. The Real Sociedad player has signed a four year contract, with an additional one-year club option to extend. Reports say the fee for Merino is £27.4m with £4.2m in add-ons to the La Liga side.

Merino was rumored throughout the months of July and August that he was admired by Mikel Arteta and the coaching staff. He’s considered a true No.8 midfielder, a role that has been missing for Arsenal since the departure of former club captain, Granit Xhaka.

Last season for Real Sociedad Moreno won the most duels out of any other player not only in La Liga, but out of any other player in Europe’s top-five leagues. During his career at Real Sociedad he scored 27 goals and bagged 30 assists in 242 appearances.

Moreno also grabbed the attention of many during the 2024 Euro competition, scoring a goal for Spain against Germany in the 119th minute of the Quarterfinal match.

“Mikel is a player who will bring us huge quality with his experience and versatility,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said. “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," (Arsenal.com).

Moreno will wear #23 at Arsenal and will have the potential to feature in the Gunners’ next match against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday. Kickoff is at 7:30am eastern.