Mikel Arteta breaks silence on Mikel Merino transfer as Arsenal boss 'delighted'

Mikel Arteta has spoken out following the arrival of Mikel Merino at Arsenal.

After weeks of negotiations with Real Sociedad, the Gunners announced the arrival of the midfielder on a long-term contract on Tuesday afternoon.

The Spain international was shortlisted as Arsenal’s top target in midfield this summer and talks to secure his signature have been ongoing since the conclusion of Euro 2024, where he was able to help lead his nation to victory.

Arteta was cited as the driving force behind the pursuit, and the Gunners boss could not contain his delight after Merino put pen to paper with his side in a deal worth £28million plus add-ons.

Speaking of his new No. 23, Arteta said: “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.

“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.”

Merino becomes Arsenal’s third signing of the summer after David Raya’s loan move from Brentford was made permanent and Riccardo Calafiori snubbed interest from elsewhere to head to the Emirates Stadium from Bologna.

Sporting director Edu is equally pleased with the acquisition of Merino and revealed that Arsenal had to fend off interest from elsewhere to secure his signature.

He explained: “We are so happy to have completed the transfer of Mikel Merino. This has been another great team effort from many people at the club to finalise the transfer of a player who attracted interest from a number of clubs over the summer.

“Mikel was a key target for us this summer, and we identified him as a player who can fit perfectly into our squad and profile to improve us, as we aim to build on our strong performances of last season.

“With Mikel’s arrival, he brings us an added high quality of experience, physicality and athleticism as we look forward to this season ahead.”