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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Gunners complete Merino deal</li><li>Midfielder won Euro 2024 with Spain</li><li>Merino will wear No.23 shirt</li></ul>

Arsenal complete €38.5m signing of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad as 'key target' receives warm welcome from new Gunners team-mates

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The Gunners have finally managed to get a deal for Merino over the line. The 28-year-old, who <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/spain-player-ratings-vs-england-euro-2024-nico-williams-mikel-oyarzabal/blt7813b5aa3697bc7e" target="_blank">won Euro 2024 with Spain in the summer</a>, has reportedly signed a four-year deal at the Emirates Stadium. The club shared footage of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta introducing Merino to his squad at Sobha Realty Training Centre.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Ready to achieve big things – together ❤️ Welcome to The Arsenal, Mikel Merino 🇪🇸 <a href="https://t.co/WhbHXMaV1p">pic.twitter.com/WhbHXMaV1p</a>— Arsenal (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1828446309537194015?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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WHAT HAPPENED?

Arteta said: "Mikel is a player who will bring us huge quality with his experience and versatility. 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."

WHAT ARTETA SAID

There are plenty of Arsenal supporters who believe that the gap to Manchester City will be better tackled with the arrival of a true striker, but Merino brings many attributes to the Gunners' midfield. No midfielder in Europe's top five leagues won more aerial duels last season, and he's adept at winning battles on the ground as well. Indeed, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/mikel-merino-transfer-arsenal-struck-gold-spain-unlikely-euro-2024-hero/blt6384be776400a91d" target="_blank">Arteta might have struck gold</a> with his third signing of the summer.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Arsenal's sporting director Edu added: "We are so happy to have completed the transfer of Mikel Merino. This has been another great team effort from many people at the club to finalise the transfer of a player who attracted interest from a number of clubs over the summer. Mikel was a key target for us this summer, and we identified him as a player who can fit perfectly into our squad and profile to improve us, as we aim to build on our strong performances of last season. With Mikel's arrival, he brings us an added high quality of experience, physicality and athleticism as we look forward to this season ahead. We welcome Mikel and his family to the club, and look forward to seeing him play in the Arsenal shirt."

WHAT EDU SAID

There's no rush for Merino to be thrust into Arsenal's line-up; the 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday, in which Thomas Partey was among the goalscorers, following a victory against Wolves in their season opener, showing that the Gunners are already in fine form. They face Brighton this weekend before the international break.

WHAT NEXT?

Arsenal complete €38.5m signing of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad as 'key target' receives warm welcome from new Gunners team-mates | Goal.com

Arsenal have announced the signing of Spain international Mikel Merino in a €38.5 million move from Real Sociedad.

Arsenal complete €38.5m signing of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad as &apos;key target&apos; receives warm welcome from new Gunners team-mates