Mikel Merino has completed his medical as a new Arsenal player with clubs exchanging documents, deal being sealed.
- €32m fixed fee, €5m add-ons and contract until June 2028 plus option for a further season.
- Merino’s journey to Arsenal marks a significant step in his career.
- Previously played for Osasuna, Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United, and Real Sociedad.
Player Profile: Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino Zazón, born on June 22, 1996, in Pamplona, Spain, stands at 1.88 meters (6 ft 2 in) and primarily plays as a midfielder. Merino’s journey to Arsenal marks a significant step in his career, having previously played for clubs including Osasuna, Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United, and Real Sociedad.
🚨🔴⚪️ Mikel Merino has completed his medical as new Arsenal player with clubs exchanging documents, deal being sealed.
€32m fixed fee, €5m add-ons and contract until June 2028 plus option for further season. https://t.co/6LSQNzqOnw
pic.twitter.com— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano)
October 06, 2023
Career Statistics
- Osasuna B (2013-2014): 5 appearances, 0 goals
- Osasuna (2014-2016): 63 appearances, 5 goals
- Borussia Dortmund (2016-2017): 8 appearances, 0 goals
- Newcastle United (loan, 2017): 7 appearances, 0 goals
- Newcastle United (2017-2018): 17 appearances, 1 goal
- Real Sociedad (2018-2024): 190 appearances, 20 goals
- Spain National Team (2020-present): 28 caps, 2 goals
Transfer History
Mikel Merino’s career has seen several high-profile transfers:
- Osasuna to Borussia Dortmund (2016): Signed a five-year deal.
- Borussia Dortmund to Newcastle United (2017): Initially on loan, followed by a permanent transfer.
- Newcastle United to Real Sociedad (2018): Transfer fee reportedly €12 million.
- Real Sociedad to Arsenal (2024): €32 million fixed fee, €5 million in add-ons.
Achievements and Honours
Mikel Merino has garnered multiple accolades throughout his career:
- Club:
- Real Sociedad: Copa del Rey (2019-20)
- Borussia Dortmund: DFB-Pokal (2016-17)
- International:
- Spain U19: UEFA European Under-19 Championship (2015)
- Spain U21: UEFA European Under-21 Championship (2019), Runner-up (2017)
- Spain Olympic: Silver Medal (2020)
- Spain Senior Team: UEFA European Championship (2024), UEFA Nations League (2022-23), Runner-up (2020-21)
Additional Context
- Personal Life: Mikel Merino’s father, Ángel Miguel, was also a footballer associated with Osasuna.
- Recent Form: In the 2023-24 season, Merino won the most duels for possession in Europe’s top leagues at 326.
- International Impact: Merino played a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory, scoring a decisive goal in the quarter-final against Germany.
For more detailed player statistics and transfer history, check Mikel Merino’s profile on Transfermarkt.