OFFICIAL: Mikel Merino completes move to Arsenal

Arsenal have completed the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino and have agreed to pay an initial £27.4m plus £4.2m in add-ons for his services. The 28-year-old has penned a four-year contract with the option of an additional year.

Merino was part of the Spain squad that won the European Championships this summer. The Spaniard operates as a defensive midfielder who will compliment Declan Rice in the middle of the park.

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

“Mikel will make our squad significantly stronger, with his technical ability, together with his strong and positive character and personality,” added Arteta