‘All sealed’: ‘World-class’ star has just signed four-year contract as Arsenal player – Fabrizio Romano

Arsenal have secured their third signing of the summer transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Gunners turned David Raya’s loan deal from Brentford into a permanent one earlier this summer. This was followed by the purchase of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori.

The London giants have now formally signed midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad. He has put pen-to-paper on an initial four-year contract with the club.

Romano wrote on X: “Mikel Merino has just signed his four year deal as Arsenal player. All sealed”.

Arsenal were initially predicted to sign Merino in late July, but the transfer saga dragged into August as they continued to discuss payment terms with Sociedad.

After multiple rounds of negotiations, the Gunners eventually agreed to pay €32 million up front for the 28-year-old with a further €5m in the form of add-ons.

The Euro 2024 winner should be a top-class acquisition. He is currently in the prime of his career and looks well suited to quickly adapt to the Premier League.

Merino, who was described as ‘world-class‘ by Kieran Tierney, won the most duels in Europe’s top-five leagues last season ahead of former target Bruno Guimaraes.

The Spaniard won a stunning 10.2 duels per game in La Liga last term. He also registered 2.4 successful tackles per appearance with 6.2 ball recoveries and two clearances.

The ex-Newcastle United man was also influential in the final third with 13 goal involvements. We won’t be surprised if Merino becomes a regular starter from the no.8 role.

Declan Rice has been operating in a central position lately with Thomas Partey behind him.

Merino could compete for places with the latter. He is primarily a central midfielder, but has the ability to operate from the holding midfield role when the situation requires him.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com