Arsenal have secured their third signing of the summer transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Gunners turned David Raya’s loan deal from Brentford into a permanent one earlier this summer. This was followed by the purchase of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori.
The London giants have now formally signed midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad.
Arsenal were initially predicted to sign Merino in late July, but the transfer saga dragged into August as they continued to discuss payment terms with Sociedad.
After multiple rounds of negotiations, the Gunners eventually agreed to pay €32 million up front for the 28-year-old with a further €5m in the form of add-ons.
Merino is a top-class acquisition. He is currently in the prime of his career and looks well-suited to quickly adapt to the Premier League.
Merino, who was described as ‘world-class‘ by Kieran Tierney, won the most duels in Europe’s top-five leagues last season ahead of Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes.
The Spaniard won an average of 10.2 duels per game in La Liga last term. He also registered 2.4 successful tackles, 6.2 ball recoveries and two clearances per appearance.
He was also influential in the final third with 13 goal involvements. Merino will likely become a regular starter in the number role.
Declan Rice has been operating in a central position with Thomas Partey behind him.
Merino could compete for places with Partey. He is primarily a central midfielder but has the ability to operate from the holding midfield role.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.
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