The midfielder has signed a four-year deal at the Emirates Stadium, with the option for a further 12 months. Arsenal will pay an initial £27.4m with a further £4.2m in add-ons
Sky Sports News reports that Merino becomes Arsenal’s fourth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Tommy Setford and Riccardo Calafiori, as well as the permanent acquisition of David Raya. Merino featured in every one of Spain’s matches as they won Euro 2024, including scoring a 119th-minute winner in the quarter-final against Germany after appearing as a substitute. Merino represented Spain in two European under 20 championships, winning the 2019 Edition . He made his Senior debut in 2020, being selected for Euro 2024 and winning the tournament.
Merino had a previous spell in England, In July 2017, Merino joined Newcastle United on a season -long loan; the Premier League side agreed to a clause obligating them to sign the player permanently, based on a number of appearances. On 13 October, this was invoked, and he agreed to a five-year contract.
Merino made 25 competitive appearances for the Magpies. He scored his only goal with a late Header in a 1–0 win over Crystal Palace at St James Park on 21 October 2017 also providing a solo assist.
Merino has scored 36 senior appearance goals and has had spells with Osasuna, Borusia Dortmund, Newcastle and Real Sociedad, 
Edu, Arsenal’s sporting director, said: “We are so happy to have completed the transfer of Mikel Merino. 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.
Merino came through the ranks at Osasuna before joining Borussia Dortmund in 2016, where he won the DFB-Pokal under Thomas Tuchel. He will wear the No 23 shirt at Arsenal and could be in line to feature in Arsenal’s Premier League meeting with Brighton on Saturday.
