Mikel Merino is about to complete his long-awaited move from Real Sociedad to Arsenal, with his manager now confirming the deal is set to be completed.
Arsenal were engaged in talks with Real Sociedad over the midfielder for weeks, but finally reached a breakthrough as a fee has now been agreed.
The Spaniard will travel to London to finalise his move and sign his contract, but Merino did not arrive in time to be registered for Arsenal’s trip to Aston Villa.
Real Sociedad wanted to keep Merino, but with one year left on his deal he refused their offer, and rejected interest from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid to join Mikel Arteta’s team.
The 28-year-old will slot into the Arsenal midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, and the Euro 2024 winner will bring a lot of experience and quality.
Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil has now paid tribute to Merino ahead of his move, and confirmed that the deal will be completed.
Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil praises Mikel Merino ahead of Arsenal move
Speaking in a press conference with Real Sociedad set to take on Espanyol this weekend, Alguacil stated that he is proud of Merino for his contributions to the club, and is happy that he has earned a big move.
“Mikel Merino has some farewell stops after mine, but that’s it, because he’s gone. Thank you, thank you for everything you have given me, for everything you have given to the team, for everything you have given to the club,” Alguacil stated.
“He arrived as a boy of 22 years old, six years ago, incredible, a brutal growth. An example for all Real Sociedad players, for all signings.
“I’m very happy that Merino isn’t there, and I’ll summarize it very simply, because I am also very proud that Mikel Merino is taking this important step. He speaks very well of Real Sociedad, of us, of the work we have done, and above all of himself.
“He came at the age of 22, he leaves at 28. I have made a player like the top of a pine tree. He has given us performances, he has made the team grow.
“We have won a cup with him, five European qualifications, a crazy Champions League last year, and he leaves us over thirty million. This is the type of signing we want. Thank you, and now to get another Merino!”
Mikel Merino’s important contributions at Real Sociedad
Merino was a crucial and consistent figure at Real Sociedad in a successful few years under Alguacil. The Spaniard played alongside David Silva, Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi among others in the midfield, and was one of the most reliable figures in the team.
The 28-year-old made 242 appearances for Real Sociedad in six seasons, scoring 27 goals and providing 30 assists. In that time, he also became a Spain International, and has notched up 28 caps.
Merino helped La Real win a historic Copa Del Rey title as they beat rivals Athletic Bilbao in the 2021 final, in which he was named the player of the match.
Real Sociedad finished 11th in La Liga before he arrived. Since then, they have not dropped out of the top 10, whilst also qualifying for Europe on five occasions, with a historic top-four finish helping them return to the Champions League last season, and reached the last-16.
The midfielder will be a huge loss for Real Sociedad, but Alguacil’s loss is Arteta’s gain as Arsenal are about to land a top-quality player.
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