Arsenal has secured a significant transfer coup, agreeing to a €38.5 million deal to bring Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino to the Emirates. The Gunners have been pursuing the 28-year-old midfielder throughout the summer, and with Merino entering the final year of his contract, negotiations have now reached a successful conclusion.
Reports from The Athletic confirm that Arsenal will pay an initial €33.5 million (£28.4 million), with an additional €5 million (£4.2 million) in performance-based add-ons. Merino has agreed to a four-year contract, with an option for an extra 12 months. The Spanish international, who was part of Spain’s Euro 2024-winning squad, is set to bring his experience and versatility to Arsenal’s midfield as they prepare for a challenging season ahead.
Merino, who turned 28 in June, already has Premier League experience, having played for Newcastle United during the 2017/18 season. His performance in England’s top flight attracted Real Sociedad, who signed him for €12 million in 2018. Since then, Merino has become a key player for Sociedad, contributing to their midfield both defensively and offensively.
This transfer marks Arsenal’s third major signing of the summer, following the arrivals of goalkeeper David Raya and defender Riccardo Calafiori. The addition of Merino is expected to bolster Arsenal’s midfield options as they aim to compete on multiple fronts this season.
