'It will be massive' – Mikel Merino explains what he'll bring to Arsenal after completing move from Real Sociedad

Mikel Merino revealed what Arsenal can expect from him as the Spaniard completed his move from Real Sociedad.

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• Merino joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad
• Wants to replicate his performances from last season
• Midfielder previously played for Newcastle

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Gunners finally got their man as they confirmed the signing of Euro 2024-winning Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad for €38.5 million (£32m/$43m). Having previously played for Newcastle United, Merino returns to the Premier League after a gap of six years as he penned a four-year deal with Arsenal.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After moving to Emirates Stadium, the Spain international spoke about the aspects of his game that could benefit the north London outfit in the 2024-25 campaign. Merino, who won the most number of duels (326) in Europe's top five leagues in the 2023-24 season, assured his new employers that he would try his best to replicate his performances from last year.

• WHAT MIKEL MERINO SAID

  Speaking to Arsenal.com after completing his move, the midfielder said:"I think that’s a big part of my game and that shows the character that I have. I want to fight for every ball and this is something that I learnt when I was really young. Maybe you can win it, or you won’t. I’m not promising I will win every duel, but what I can promise is that I will fight for every ball with 100 per cent.

  "It’s always tough to talk about myself in those kinds of terms, but I think I’m a hard worker, I want to call myself a good teammate. I like to work for the team with or without the ball. I’m always thinking about the collective aspect of the game. I like to play with the ball, I have a Spanish culture of football."

  When asked if his experience with the Magpies will help him to adjust quicker to the Premier League, the player added: "I think it will be massive, because of how tough this league is if you come as a new player. Maybe you don’t realise it until you try it. But right now I have an idea of how this league is and how tough every game is.

  "Obviously talking with teammates, or ex-teammates who are here, I know how high the standard is right now. You have to win every single game. I have a little idea of the stadiums, the teams, the atmosphere you are about to expect, it’s always an advantage."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  After registering back-to-back wins in the Premier League, Mikel Arteta's side will be back in action on Saturday as they host an in-form Brighton at Emirates Stadium in a Premier League clash, which could see Merino make his debut.