Mikel Merino has already explained why he’s perfect for Premier League, he’ll make instant Arsenal impact

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Arsenal are set to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino after agreeing personal terms, and the 28-year-old will now return to the Premier League.

Merino joined Real Sociedad in 2018 after one season at Newcastle United, and he explained that his decision was partly motivated by his desire to be near his home town of Pamplona in Spain.

The Spain International was a consistent performer in La Liga over the last six years, and Mikel Arteta has identified him as a signing who can slot into his midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

Merino will arrive from a more technical league in Spain, but he is perfectly suited to the Premier League, and he has previously explained why he enjoys the style he will now encounter with Arsenal.

Mikel Merino explained why he is suitable for the Premier League ahead of Arsenal move

Speaking to The Athletic in 2022, Merino stated that he enjoyed the physical nature of playing in the Premier League during his time at Newcastle United.

“Newcastle was amazing. I felt like I was home there, the people were so kind to me. I’d walk around the streets and everybody would call me. The stadium was always full, home and away. It was great to play in the Premier League, to experience the physical side of a league where you have to go strong in the tackles,” Merino stated.

“It’s not about managing the ball and giving passes, but strength and going into battle.”

Merino also learned a bit of English during his year at Newcastle, which will now come in useful at Arsenal.

“I thank Newcastle. I didn’t learn any Geordie phrases, learning English was difficult enough! But watching TV in English, Netflix and Game of Thrones, helped me learn the language. You have to pay attention; otherwise, you lose the drama,” he added.

Mikel Merino has the physicality to thrive in the Premier League

Merino won more duels than any other player in Europe last season, and provides a dominant physical presence on the ground and in the air.

Alongside Rice, he can help form a midfield which is capable of physically outmatching any other, whilst Merino will also bring a strong technical ability on the ball.

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It should take Merino little time to adapt to Arsenal’s style under Arteta, and there will be little fear that he needs time to settle when he returns to England.