Arsenal sign €32.5m Merino from Real Sociedad

Midfielder Mikel Merino has completed his move to Arsenal from Real Sociedad in a deal understood to be worth €32.5 million ($36.3m), the north London club announced on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old was part of the Spain team that lifted the Euro 2024 title, contributing most notably with an extra-time winner against Germany in the quarterfinals.

Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil left Merino out of the squad for their LaLiga opener against Rayo Vallecano due to talks advancing with Arsenal at the time of the match, and he also did not feature in the team's win over Espanyol last weekend.

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has been a fan of the player for some time, and believes his profile -- and evolution in recent seasons -- is what his team needs to pursue the Premier League title.