Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino, but whilst he not be a superstar addition, he could be a very smart signing.
Merino has excelled for Real Sociedad over the last few years, and also stepped up in a big moment as he scored a last-minute winner for Spain against Germany en route to winning Euro 2024.
Mikel Arteta has convinced the Spaniard to move to the Emirates despite interest from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, and he is set to join Arsenal for around £25m.
Arsenal have typically signed younger players under Arteta and Edu Gaspar in recent years, and the arrival of Merino has deviated somewhat from their usual strategy, but it could be a masterstroke as they attempt to replicate the success of one deal Manchester City made last year.
Mikel Merino could be Arsenal’s Mateo Kovacic
Manchester City lost a top-class midfielder in Ilkay Gundogan last year, but instead of signing a like-for-like superstar, they picked up Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea for around £25m.
Kovacic since proved his worth, with his experience and technical quality showing last season as Pep Guardiola leant on him to deliver in difficult moments in the run-in.
The Croatian was 29 when he moved to Man City, just one year older than Merino is now, and like the Spaniard, is a number eight who can also fill in at six to cover for Rodri.
Kovacic was a reliable and sturdy performer, who brought a wealth of experience to the side, and proved to be an astute signing, with Guardiola describing him as “exceptional” after he was asked to step in to replace Rodri at the base of midfield.
Mikel Merino is a smart signing for Arsenal
Merino is arriving as a midfielder of a similar age and profile to Kovacic when he joined City last year, and it is these kinds of signings which ultimately prove to be fruitful over the course of a season.
The midfield powerhouse will hope to replicate the impact Granit Xhaka had on Arsenal’s build-up play in midfield, much like how Kovacic was tasked with replacing Gundogan.
The Real Sociedad star will join with Premier League, La Liga, Champions League and International experience under his belt, and can both play alongside and provide cover for Declan Rice, with the Spaniard also capable of dropping into a deeper midfield role to his usual number eight position.
For £25m, Arteta has secured an experienced, well-rounded midfielder who could fit his system like a glove and help get the best out of others around him, and he will hope that he can have a similar impact to Kovacic as an under-the-radar addition who makes a huge impact.
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