Mikel Arteta describes four strengths that new recruit Mikel Merino will offer to Arsenal.

Mikel Merino has been unveiled as Arsenal’s third summer acquisition. The Gunners paid £27 million to capture the Spanish midfielder from La Liga team Real Sociedad.

Mikel Arteta has highlighted four strengths that new £27 million addition Mikel Merino will offer to Arsenal.

Merino, 28, has joined the Gunners from Real Sociedad, signing a four-year contract with an option for an additional year. With add-ons, the cost might reach about £32 million.

Merino, a European Championship winner with Champions League experience, will strengthen Arsenal’s midfield as they seek their first Premier League crown since 2004. Club sources feel the Gunners are acquiring one of Europe’s top midfielders for a bargain price, with the Spain international entering the final year of his Real Sociedad deal.

Arteta, meantime, has identified four aspects of Merino’s playing that will benefit his Arsenal team. “Mikel is a player who will bring us huge quality with his experience and versatility,” the Gunners manager said.

“He has been at the peak of his game at both the club and international levels for several seasons now. Mikel’s technical abilities, combined with his powerful and enthusiastic nature, will substantially strengthen our group.

“As we all witnessed in the summer, Mikel is a winner, and his outstanding performances throughout the Euros helped Spain win the tournament. We are happy to welcome Mikel and his family to the club and cannot wait to begin working with him.”

Merino’s experience, paired with his technical abilities, strong attitude, and winning mentality, are all characteristics that Arteta will want to use in the upcoming season. Merino, 28, will have competition from Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, and Jorginho for one of the two starting slots behind captain Martin Odegaard.