Mikel Merino has assured Arsenal fans that they can expect nothing less than full commitment on the pitch following his recent £31.6 million transfer from Real Sociedad.
The Spanish midfielder, who has developed a reputation for his tenacity and work rate, is determined to give his all for his new club.
Merino spent the last six years with Real Sociedad, where he became a key figure in their midfield and earned a regular spot in Spain’s national team.
His contributions were pivotal in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory earlier this summer, further solidifying his status as one of Europe’s most reliable midfielders.
A hallmark of Merino’s play is his prowess in winning the ball. Arsenal have proudly highlighted that Merino led Europe’s top five leagues last season with an impressive 326 duels won.
This attribute is expected to complement and enhance the capabilities of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in Arsenal’s midfield, providing the team with a more balanced and formidable unit.
Discussing his playing style with Arsenal.com, Merino emphasized his commitment to giving everything on the field.
“I think that’s a big part of my game and that shows the character that I have,” he stated. “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.”
Merino also reflected on his overall approach to the game, noting his dedication to teamwork.
“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,” he noted.
Merino’s journey to Arsenal marks a return to the Premier League, a league he briefly experienced as a young player with Newcastle United.
After joining Newcastle in 2017 from Borussia Dortmund, Merino quickly made an impact but ultimately left for Real Sociedad after just one season.
Now, with more experience and maturity, he is eager to make his mark in England’s top flight once again.
Reflecting on his previous stint in the Premier League, Merino acknowledged the value of that experience. “I think it will be massive, because of how tough this league is if you come as a new player,” he explained. “Maybe you don’t realize it until you try it. But right now I have the 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.”
Interestingly, Merino will be reuniting with some familiar faces at Arsenal, having previously played alongside Kieran Tierney and Martin Odegaard during their loan spells at Real Sociedad in 2023/24 and 2019/20, respectively.
This familiarity could prove advantageous as he adapts to his new surroundings at the Emirates Stadium.
