Mikel Arteta and Edu's first words as Arsenal announce Mikel Merino transfer

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad on a four-year deal with the option of an additional year. The €32.5million (£27.4million) plus €5million (£4.2million) in add-ons fee is seen as a great scoop this summer.

Edu Gaspar has been at the centre of the deal and involved in lengthy negotiations with La Real over a move. The Spanish side were always looking to get maximum value from the move but Arsenal too wanted to ensure the player arrived at the right price.

"We are so happy to have completed the transfer of Mikel Merino," Edu said. "This has been another great team effort from many people at the club to finalise the transfer of a player who attracted interest from a number of clubs over the summer.

"Mikel was a key target for us this summer, and we identified him as a player who can fit perfectly into our squad and profile to improve us, as we aim to build on our strong performances of last season. With Mikel’s arrival, he brings us an added high quality of experience, physicality and athleticism as we look forward to this season ahead.

"We welcome Mikel and his family to the club, and look forward to seeing him play in the Arsenal shirt."

The real driving force behind the move, however, came from Mikel Arteta. The Arsenal manager has been a huge fan of the midfielder and it was talks with the coach which proved decisive in landing the player despite interest from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid earlier on in the window.

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Merino wanted Arsenal, and only Arsenal. This has proven to be a big motivating factor behind any potential player that Arteta looks to sign for the club.

"Mikel is a player who will bring us huge quality with his experience and versatility," Arteta said. "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.”