Arsenal have completed the signing of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad for a fee of €32 million plus €5 million performance-based add-ons, according to reports.
The Gunners have agreed favorable payment terms with Real Sociedad and Merino has acceded to a contract that will run until June 2028, with the option for a further year.
Mikel Merino Joins Arsenal
Reports indicate that Arsenal have been on the verge of signing Mikel Merino since the culminating days of July 2024, with the midfielder only interested in penning a deal with the North London side.
Happily for all involved parties, the deal has been finalized and Merino will officially become a player of Arsenal in the coming days.
Mikel Merino will become Arsenal’s 2nd signing this summer, having already secured the service of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.
The North London side are also linked with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, alongside Victor Osimhen of Napoli.
Atalanta and Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, who has been rumored to have agreed on personal terms with Paris Saint Germain, appears to be on the radar of Mikel Arteta’s side.
Meanwhile, in the 2023/24 season, Merino made 45 appearances for Real Sociedad, scoring 8 goals and providing 5 assists in all competitions.
Cumulatively, Mikel Merino has made 242 appearances for Real Sociedad, scoring 27 goals and providing 30 assists in all competitions.
Merino has previously played in England, donning the colors of Newcastle United between July 2017 and June 2018, having joined the club on loan from Borussia Dortmund.
Mikel Merino At Euro 2024
Mikel Merino had a stellar outing with Spain at the 2024 UEFA European championship, helping La Roja secure the title for the 3rd time in history.
Merino scored the decisive second goal against Germany in the quarter-finals, a thumping header in the 119th minute, which broke the hearts of the German faithful, as Spain picked up a 2-1 win over the hosts.
Mikel Merino made 7 appearances at the tournament, but started just 1 game, scoring 1 goal and providing no assists.
Who Is Mikel Merino?
He is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for the Spain national team and has apparently completed a move to Arsenal.
Merino’s Personal Information?
Mikel Merino was born on June 22, 1998, in Pamplona, Spain, to father Angel Miguel and mother Maite Zazón.
Angel is a retired Spanish footballer and manager. He played for clubs like Leganés, Osasuna, and Celta de Vigo during his career.
Angel Miguel also tutored the youth teams and the second team of Osasuna during his managerial career alongside the Spanish side Peña Sport.
Merino’s mother, Maite Zazón, is a former professional basketball player, who retired early to embrace motherhood.
Mikel Merino has two younger brothers; namely; Jon and Unai, and the trio are said to have huge love and respect for each other.
Mikel Merino’s Market Value And Net Worth?
His market value is €50 million according to Transfermkt, while his net worth is estimated to be between the region of €18 million – €21 million.
Mikel Merino’s Wife?
Merino is married to wife Lola Liberal, with the pair tying the knot in June 2024, having reportedly begun dating in 2019.
It is uncertain if the couple have any children together, as they have not revealed anything regarding such to the public.
His Position?
Mikel Merino functions primarily in the central midfield department, although he can be utilized as a defensive midfielder.
Mikel Merino’s Career Stats?
Merino has made 343 club appearances thus far in his career, scoring 36 goals and providing 36 assists in all competitions.
Internationally, he has made 28 appearances for Spain, scoring 2 goals and providing 4 assists.
Achievements?
He has won several trophies in his career, including; 1 UEFA European Championship, 1 UEFA Nations League, 1 DFB-POKAL, and 1 Copa del Rey.
Clubs He Has Played For In His Career?
Mikel Merino has played for several clubs in his career, including; CA Osasuna, Newcastle United, Borussia Dortmund, and Real Sociedad.
Mikel Merino’s Shirt Number At Arsenal?
He hasn’t been handed a shirt number by the North London side, however, reports are claiming that Merino could be given either the 10 or 23 jersey.
The 10 shirt was last worn by Emile Smith Rowe, but the midfielder’s move to Fulham this summer resulted in it becoming vacant.
Albert Sambi Lokonga also last wore the 23 shirt at Arsenal, but the midfielder is currently on loan at La Liga side Sevilla.
Former Premier League star David Luiz and Brighton forward Danny Welbeck are players who have previously worn the 23 shirt at Arsenal.
