Arsenal have agreed to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, with the transfer fee reported to be around €38.5m (£32.67m), including performance-based add-ons[2]. The 28-year-old midfielder has settled personal terms on a four-year contract, with the option of an additional year, and has traveled to London to finalize the move[2]. Merino was left out of Real Sociedad’s opening LaLiga match squad as transfer negotiations advanced, confirming his imminent switch to the Premier League[3].
The transfer follows Merino’s standout performances for Spain, playing every match in their Euro 2024-winning campaign and scoring a dramatic 119th-minute winner against Germany in the quarter-finals[2]. After joining Real Sociedad from Newcastle six years ago, Merino made 242 appearances for the Basque club, won the Copa del Rey, and emerged as one of LaLiga’s top midfielders[4]. His career path includes formative years with Osasuna, a stint at Borussia Dortmund, and a season with Newcastle United prior to his success in Spain[4].
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is expected to integrate Merino swiftly, leveraging his technical skills and experience at the highest levels to strengthen the club’s midfield. Real Sociedad’s coach described Merino as “the best midfielder in LaLiga” and emphasized his professionalism during the transfer process[3].