Arsenal have announced the signing of Mikel Merino on a long-term contract from Real Socied.
Merino, 28, was one of the standout players in Spain’s triumph at the 2024 UEFA European Championship, netting a crucial injury-time winner against Germany in the quarter-final.
He was also part of the squad that won the 2023 UEFA Nations League and made 28 appearances overall for Spain. He joined the club from Sociedad and was given the No. 23 shirt by the Premier League side.
“Mikel is a player who will bring us huge quality with his experience and versatility,” Arsenal coach 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.”
This is Merino’s second stint in the Premier League after featuring 24 times for Newcastle United in 2017/18, when he was on loan from Borussia Dortmund. Newcastle then bought the midfielder and immediately sold him to Sociedad where he has been playing ever since.
