Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Martin Odegaard react to Mikel Merino finally signing for Arsenal

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On Tuesday, Arsenal fans were finally delivered the news that had been waiting for: Mikel Merino officially became a Gunner.

Merino will join Mikel Arteta in north London, hoping that he can be the man to help deliver trophies at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal have pursued Merino for a long while, but refused to pay over the odds for a player who had just one-year remaining on his Real Sociedad contract.

And as a reward for their efforts, Arsenal achieved a commendable deal for a midfielder who should help them immediately.

It certainly wouldn’t be a surprise if Merino made his Arsenal debut against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, given there are rumours that he was already training in north London on Tuesday morning.

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Merino seems unlikely to start immediately, but could replace either Declan Rice or Thomas Partey as the game goes on, a fixture that could prove tricky for Arteta’s side.

Of course, since signing, it’s now been revealed that Merino was an Arsenal fan as a child, something that the club leaned on when announcing his arrival. 

Martin Odegaard shares captain’s welcome for Mikel Merino at Arsenal

Upon signing for Arsenal, the club posted pictures of Merino back in 2005 in a classic Arsenal kit, one adorned by the likes of Dennis Bergkamp.

And Merino then uploaded these same photos to his Instagram account alongside a caption of: “Always a Gooner.”

As you may expect, a barrage of Arsenal fans and players, old and new, replied to Merino in the comments section.

But there was one surprise message that arrived from former goalscorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who often keeps up to date on all things Arsenal.

Translated from Spanish, Aubameyang wrote: “Congratulations brother and good luck.”

Martin Odegaard was also prominent in the replies, simply sharing some congratulatory emojis.

And for those who remember his brief spell at Arsenal, the side’s former goalkeeper Mat Ryan even sent his best wishes – a popular transfer all round.

Of course, Arsenal may not be finished in the transfer window just yet, and the Gunners have now been linked with a shock move for Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez late on.

Arsenal fans have had their say on Nunez arriving, and it seems as if the majority back Arteta to get a tune out of the chaotic striker.