Arsenal has officially announced the signing of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad for an undisclosed fee.
Merino arrives after spending the best part of eight seasons with the Spanish outfit, but it’s worth noting that he has garnered experience in Germany with Borussia Dortmund and England with Newcastle United. He’s not some youngin’ that will require some time to adapt and get to know the league better. He’s an experienced international that is expected to hit the ground running from the get-go.
As usual, Edu Gaspar and Mikel Arteta said the nice things about the man they just got from La Liga, but I really enjoyed what Arteta said about Merino,
“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.”
Merino is very adept playing as a left 8, as well as a 6, adding some much needed dynamism to our midfield, especially with the aging duo of Thomas Partey and Jorginho still in our ranks. Losing Emile Smith Rowe, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Mohamed Elneny and Fabio Vieira left a gaping hole in central midfield, but the addition of Merino was what we needed.
I would expect our starting midfield combo to be Merino, Rice and Martin Odegaard, a player Merino shared minutes with at Real Sociedad, while Partey and Jorginho will provide depth options in the course of the season. Merino is also 6′ 2″, adding some height to our ranks, which will be of help defensively and offensively. I wouldn’t mind some more picture perfect headers like the one he scored for Spain that knocked Germany out of the Euros.
I don’t expect him to start against Brighton, but I’m certain that he will be ready for the baptism of fire after the international break when Arsenal take on Tottenham and Manchester City in quick succession. No better way to get into the thick of things eh?
It’s likely that Merino might be the last signing Arsenal makes this summer, although with Eddie Nketiah’s imminent departure following the completion of his medicals, the club needs to sign a forward, especially with Gabriel Jesus’ fitness concerns.
I’m happy with the acquisition of Mikel Merino.
He is just what we needed.
Sayonara.
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