In a recent interview with Arsenal.com, new signing Mikel Merino highlighted the qualities he believes will enhance Arsenal’s midfield.
After a protracted negotiation period, Arsenal announced the acquisition of Merino from Real Sociedad for a total fee of €37 million. The 28-year-old midfielder, who enjoyed a successful EURO 2024 campaign with Spain, caught the attention of manager Mikel Arteta. Arteta is keen on using Merino to support Declan Rice and Thomas Partey in the midfield.
Merino, known for his physical presence and extensive experience, is expected to significantly upgrade Arsenal’s midfield quality. In his interview, the Spaniard emphasized his strength in one-on-one duels and his determination on the pitch:
“I think the way I play reflects my personal qualities. I want to fight for the ball, and that’s something I’ve learned from the start of my career. I’m not always certain I’ll win every duel, but I’ll give it my all with 100% commitment. I consider myself a diligent player, and I want to be a good teammate. I enjoy having the ball because it’s part of the Spanish football culture,” Merino said.
Merino previously spent a year in the Premier League with Newcastle United and acknowledged the league’s demanding nature:
“You might not realize it until you experience it yourself. For me, the Premier League is a challenging competition. Talking with teammates, I understand it’s a league with high-quality standards. You have to win every game,” Merino added.
At Arsenal, Merino will reunite with former Real Sociedad teammates Martin Odegaard and Kieran Tierney, which could further ease his transition into the team.