Mikel Merino has admitted he is excited for the season ahead after joining Arsenal from Real Sociedad

Mikel Merino has admitted he is excited for the season ahead after joining Arsenal from Real Sociedad

Having chased his signature intensely over the last eight weeks, the Gunners have finally wrapped a deal believed to be in the region of £27.4million (€32.5m) plus £4.2million (€5m) in add-ons with his six-year spell at Sociedad, where he made 242 appearances and scored 27 goals, coming to an end.

After signing all the necessary documents and completing medical tests, Arsenal announced the signing of the Spain international on Tuesday afternoon. Fresh off penning a four-year deal, with an option for a further 12 months, Merino spoke to his teammates after being welcomed to the club by Arteta.

“Thank you all for the warm welcome,” he said. “I’m very happy to be here with all of you. I’m just excited for the season, hopefully we can keep doing big things as you guys are doing. Just thank you.”

Merino helped Spain win Euro 2024 while he has also won trophies playing for Sociedad.

Merino joins Riccardo Calafiori, David Raya and Tommy Setford as permanent arrivals this summer. Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares and Fabio Vieira have all departed on loan while Emile Smith Rowe looks set to be joined by Eddie Nketiah as first-team stars sealing permanent exits.

With the 28-year-old now in the building, Arteta will be hopeful he can make a swift impact with the Gunners having already picked up maximum points from their first two games. A tense clash at Villa Park was contested over the weekend between Arsenal and Aston Villa, though Arteta’s side came out 2-0 victors.

Up next for the Gunners is a home clash at Emirates Stadium against Brighton, with Merino expected to be available. Following that, a North London Derby away to Tottenham is on the agenda before they face Premier League title rivals Manchester City.