Arsenal have signed Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad on a long-term deal, bolstering their midfield with the experienced Spanish international.

New Delhi: London Arsenal have signed Spain international Mikel Merino from La Liga side Real Sociedad on a long-term deal. The 28-year-old midfielder, who has been a key figure for Sociedad since 2018, joins the Gunners after a successful spell in Spain where he made 242 appearances, scoring 27 goals and providing 30 assists.

Born in Pamplona, ​​Merino began his career at Osasuna, progressing through their youth ranks before making 67 appearances for the first team. His performances earned him a move to Borussia Dortmund in 2016, where he helped the German side win the DFB-Pokal in his debut season.

Merino's talent soon attracted the attention of Premier League clubs, leading to a season-long loan to Newcastle United in 2017. After a promising start, the move was made permanent and Merino featured 24 times in the Premier League.

In 2018, Merino returned to Spain, signing for Real Sociedad. While in the Basque Country, he became an indispensable part of their midfield, helping the team win the Copa del Rey in 2020 and guiding them to Champions League qualification last season. Merino's defensive work stood out in the 2022/23 season with 326 tackles won and he led Europe's top leagues in ball recoveries.

Internationally, Merino has made 28 appearances for Spain and enjoyed success at various levels. He won the European Under-19 Championship in 2015, the European Under-21 Championship in 2019 and a silver medal at the 2020 Olympics. Merino was also part of the Spain squad that won the 2023 UEFA Nations League and 2024 European Championship, where he scored a dramatic 119th-minute winner against Germany in the quarter-finals.

Arsenal's sporting director, Edu, expressed his excitement over the signing: “We are delighted to have completed the transfer of Mikel Merino. It's another great team effort from a number of people at the club to bring in a much sought-after player this summer. Mikel was a key target for us and his arrival has added quality, experience and physicality to the build-up to last season's strong performances.”

Manager Mikel Arteta echoed Edu's sentiments, highlighting Merino's versatility and winning mentality: “Michael is a player who will bring great quality to us with his experience and versatility. He has consistently performed at the highest level for club and country. His technical ability, his strong nature will make our team stronger.”

Merino, who will wear the number 23 shirt, joins a side brimming with ambition as they look to challenge for domestic and European honours. He will immediately link up with his new colleagues at the Shobha Realty Training Center ready to begin his next lesson in North London.