New Arsenal signing Mikel Merino sends a message to the supporters

Arsenal have completed their second signing of the summer, bringing in Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad for a reported £27.4 million fee. The 28-year-old follows Riccardo Calafiori, who joined from Bologna earlier in the window, as Mikel Arteta continues to bolster his squad.

Merino, a European Championship winner with Spain this summer, arrives with a reputation as one of the most tenacious midfielders in Europe. Last season, he won more duels than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues, showcasing his combative style.

Speaking after signing his contract, Merino was eager to emphasize his dedication to hard work and team play: “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.”

The arrival of Merino adds further strength and depth to Arsenal’s midfield, providing competition for the likes of Declan Rice and Granit Xhaka. His commitment to hard work and team play perfectly aligns with Mikel Arteta’s philosophy, and his experience in La Liga will prove valuable as the Gunners aim to challenge for silverware this season.