Arsenal FC announced on their official website they have completed the signing of 28-year-old Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino from La Liga side Real Sociedad on a long-term contract.
Merino, who was part of Spain’s squad for Euro 2024 over the summer—and scored the winner against Germany in the quarter-finals—has become the third signing of the transfer window for the Gunners’ first-team squad following David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori.
Arsenal Sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad
Speaking in his first interview as an Arsenal player, Merino said:
“What I want is to grow, to win, to fulfil my dreams and I think this club has the same mentality. This is something I value a lot. I value a lot the work they put in every single day.
"I have spoken with Mikel and he’s told me the way they work, and I love that way of working as well. So I think it’s the perfect match, now it’s time to get to work, the part I love doing, and hopefully everything goes well.
“The thing that inspires me a lot is they keep doing it. They are keeping the hunger, they won’t give up and I want to come here and help them achieve their goals. Obviously they have an amazing team, an amazing squad, I can see they have amazing facilities, amazing staff around them. So I think it’s the best mix, and hopefully this year we can do big things together.”
Born on 22nd June 1996 in Pamplona, Spain, Mikel Merino Zazón began his football career at CD Amigó before moving to Osasuna. He broke into their first team in 2014, and made 67 senior appearances across all competitions, scoring eight goals and creating five assists.
Manager Mikel Arteta welcomed his namesake and compatriot Merino to the Emirates, saying:
“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.”
In July 2016, Merino moved to Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund. However, he played in only nine matches for the club, and moved to Newcastle United in 2017—initially on loan with an obligation to buy based on appearances, and permanently when the clause was activated in October.
Just one year later, Merino was on the move again. He signed for Real Sociedad in July 2018, and went on to become an integral part of their squad. In his six seasons at the club, he was ever-present in their midfield, accumulating 242 total appearances with 27 goals and 30 assists in all competitions.
Sporting Director Edu commented on signing Merino:
“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.”
Merino won the Olympic silver medal with Spain at the 2020 Games in Japan, and having represented his country at the U19 and U21 levels, made his senior debut in September 2020 against Germany in the UEFA Nations League. In 28 total appearances for Spain, he has scored two goals and created four assists.
He has won the UEFA European Championship and UEFA Nations League with Spain, the Copa del Rey with Real Sociedad, and the DFB-Pokal with Borussia Dortmund in addition to his silver medal at the Summer Olympics 2020 and the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2015.