As the summer transfer window enters the final few days, Arsenal have finally secured another key addition to the squad.
Arsenal announced the signing of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad after a pursuit of the midfielder which lasted a few months.
The Spaniard moves to the Emirates Stadium with the hopes of bolstering the central options available to Mikel Arteta.
With fantastic technical ability, the 28-year-old could be the final piece of the jigsaw required to finally get a Premier League title push over the line.
Merino is expected to partner Declan Rice and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard in the midfield for the foreseeable future.
It’s a move which has gained plenty of traction, with both key decision-makers giving their thoughts on the deal.
Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar on Mikel Merino transfer
With the transfer finally over the line, both Arteta and Edu Gaspar have been able to break their silence over the move.
Speaking to the official Arsenal website, the sporting director said: “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.
“We welcome Mikel and his family to the club, and look forward to seeing him play in the Arsenal shirt.”
The Arsenal manager also had plenty to say, including a potentially scary warning for their Premier League title rivals.
Arteta added: “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.”
Mikel Merino signing is a huge warning to Manchester City
With Merino now making his way to London Colney, his addition to the Arsenal squad could come as a huge warning to title rivals Manchester City.
Arteta claimed the Spaniard would make the squad “significantly stronger”, which is a bold claim for a team that took the title challenge down to the wire.
It may mean the Gunners finally have that perfect player to help the rest of the team in possession moving forward.
Given the dwindling contracts of Jorginho and Thomas Partey – as well as their age profile – it may be a move that works for all involved.
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