Arsenal’s latest signing Mikel Merino has revealed he’s been a fan of the Emirate Club right from his childhood.
The Gunners completed the signing of Spain midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad on a long term deal for a potential fee of £31.6 million on Tuesday, August 27.
The signing of Merino finally concludes a long transfer saga for Arsenal, as he becomes the club’s third acquisition of the window following David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori.
Meanwhile, the 28-year-old Spanish international, who has Premier League experience with Newcastle United, revealed he’s been an Arsenal fan since childhood.
Merino shared throwback photos of himself wearing an Arsenal kit from 2005, captioning the post “Always a Gooner”.
He also disclosed that international teammate David Raya had been encouraging him to join the North London club. He said: “Raya was always asking when would I be joining him”.
Arteta shows confidence in Merino who has had Premier League experience
Merino has had experience in the Premier League during his loan stint with Newcastle United in 2017 where he appeared in 25 games for the Magpies before transferring to Real Sociedad in 2018.
The Spanish player will don the number 23 shirt for Arsenal, the same number he wore during his time at St James’ Park.
Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Merino’s quality, experience, and versatility, stating that he will significantly strengthen the Gunners squad.
Arteta said concerning Merino: “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.”
Merino sealed Spain’s victory over Germany in the Euro tournament with a crucial goal in the 119th minute, eliminating the host team with a final score of 2-1.
Mikel Arteta added: “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.”
Who is Arsenal’s latest signing Mikel Merino?
Merino is a 28-year-old Spanish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Arsenal and the Spain national team.
Merino’s football career
Merino’s journey began at Osasuna, followed by brief stints with Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United before joining Real Sociedad in 2018.
During his time with the club, he made 242 appearances, scored 27 goals, and won the 2019-20 Copa del Rey.
The 28-year-old signed with Arsenal in August 27, 2024, bringing an end to his six-year tenure with Real Sociedad.
On the international stage, Merino represented Spain in two European Under-21 Championships, emerging victorious in the 2019 edition.
He made his senior debut in 2020 and was part of the triumphant Euro 2024 squad and scored a crucial goal that eliminated host country Germany.
Why Mikel Merino left Newcastle United
Merino joined Newcastle United on a season-long loan from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 and made 25 competitive appearances for the Magpies.
Merino desired to remain with the Newcastle United but left in 2018 due to his lack of playing time and a back injury.
Additionally, there was a contract clause with a minimal release fee, similar to the one he had with Dortmund, that Newcastle United could not afford to pay.
This clause, worth between £10.5m and £13m was triggered by Real Sociedad and he joined the Spanish team for more playing opportunities.
Merino’s football achievement
Mikel Merino’s achievement include winning the DFB-Pokal with Borussia Dortmund in the 2016-17 season. He also won the Copa del Rey with Real Sociedad in the 2019-20 season.
Additionally, Merino has represented Spain at various international tournaments, winning the UEFA European Under-19 Championship with Spain U19 in 2015 and the UEFA European Under-21 Championship with Spain U21 in 2019.
He also won a silver medal at the Summer Olympics in 2020 with Spain.
Merino’s success continued with the Spanish national team, winning the UEFA Nations League in 2022-23 and UEFA European Championship in 2024.
He was also named to the La Liga Team of the Season in 2022-23 and won the La Liga Player of the Month in March 2024.
What’s next for Mikel Merino?
Mikel Arteta could give the new signing Mikel Merino a start in Arsenal’s next match against Brighton in North London on Saturday, August 31.
Mikel Arteta has a reputation for bringing in high-quality players who consistently perform. Do you think Mikel Merino’s signing will uphold this trend? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
