Arsenal are close to completing the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino for a reported fee of around €30 million
The Spain international has agreed personal terms with the Gunners, as exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers, and the move is expected to be finalised soon.
The 28-year-old will become Arsenal’s third major signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrivals of David Raya from Brentford and Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.
Young goalkeeper Tommy Setford has also joined the north London club, from Ajax, although he will originally be placed in Arsenal’s academy set-up.
As for Merino, he will immediately become a key player under Mikel Arteta. The Gunners boss has reportedly pushed to sign his compatriot and it’s easy to see why.
The Sociedad star is a beast in the air, composed in possession and has a goal or two in his locker. He’s arguably the perfect midfielder to play in Arteta’s current system, which has been tailored towards maximum efficiency over the past two years.
But, where will Merino fit in at the Emirates Stadium?
How will Arsenal line up with Mikel Merino?
The aforementioned Raya will remain Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper, with Aaron Ramsdale either set to leave or spend another campaign on the bench.
The back four will consist of Benjamin White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Calafiori, although Jurrien Timber will also play a prevalent role.
In addition, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior, if he stays, will also be rewarded with minutes.
Declan Rice will be deployed back in a more defensive midfield role, having enjoyed a more advanced number eight role during the final few months of last season. Merino will take that left-side midfield spot, while Martin Odegaard will provide creativity from the right.
Bukayo Saka is a nailed-on starter on the right flank and Gabriel Martinelli could edge out Leandro Trossard for a starting berth on the left.
Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus will compete for the number nine position, although the former is likely to start the campaign as first choice.
Arsenal’s starting XI with Mikel Merino
GK: David Raya
RB: Benjamin White
CB: William Saliba
CB: Gabriel Magalhaes
LB: Riccardo Calafiori
CDM: Declan Rice
CM: Martin Odegaard
CM: Mikel Merino
RW: Bukayo Saka
ST: Kai Havertz
LW: Gabriel Martinelli
