“I couldn’t sleep the night I heard Arsenal has signed him… I called our transfer board to sign the only defender who can handle him but I was ignored and now we’re facing them this week, I don’t think anybody can handle him with the current squad we have”: Brighton defender Lewis Dunk says no player can handle Arsenal new signing, already given up
“I couldn’t sleep the night I heard Arsenal has signed him… I called our transfer board to sign the only defender who can handle him but I was ignored and now we’re facing them this week, I don’t think anybody can handle him with the current squad we have”: Brighton defender Lewis Dunksays no player can handle Arsenal new signing, already given up
Arsenal are finally said to have wrapped up a deal to land Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino after weeks of negotiations. The Gunners have had a relatively quiet summer window, only adding Riccardo Calafiori and making David Raya’s star permanent.
Recent weeks have been dominated by efforts to land Euro 2024 winner Merino, with Mikel Arteta determined to land more quality for the midfield spot next to Declan Rice. Real Sociedad have proven tough negotiators, refusing the be shorted on the Merino fee despite the 28-year-old having just one year remaining on his deal
A fee of £27million plus a further £3.3million in add-ons has now been agreed, and the deal is all-but wrapped up according to transfer ‘insider’ Fabrizio Romano. He tweeted: “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.”
The Merino deal is expected to be announced on Sunday or Monday with the Spaniard set to be available for next weekend’s clash with Brighton. Arsenal made it two wins from two on Saturday evening with a big away win over Aston Villa, and they already look like a real threat as they bid to wrestle the Premier League title from Manchester City at the third time of asking.
Merino on previous Premier League experience
Arsenal will be Merino’s second experience of Premier League football, with the midfielder having previously played for Newcastle United. Speaking about that experience at St James’ Park, Merino has said: “Dortmund wasn’t like I hoped it would be. When you go on an adventure like that, you get into a good mindset to play, to develop, to become an important figure. Then I arrived and things were not as I expected. I learnt a lot from a top club with top players and I’m the person I am because of my experience there. That helped push me to a higher level.
“Newcastle was amazing. I felt like I was home there, the people were so kind to me. I’d walk around the streets and everybody would call me. The stadium was always full, home and away. It was great to play in the Premier League, to experience the physical side of a league where you have to go strong in the tackles. It’s not about managing the ball and giving passes, but strength and going into battle.
“I thank Newcastle. I didn’t learn any Geordie phrases, learning English was difficult enough! But watching TV in English, Netflix and Game of Thrones, helped me learn the language. You have to pay attention; otherwise, you lose the drama.”
