The 28-year old joined Arsenal on a permanent deal this summer. Last season, the midfielder won the most duels in Europes top five leagues and was part of the EURO 2024 winners. His ability to dominate in midfield was one of the reasons that caught Mikel Arteta’s eyes.
“Mikel is a player who will bring us huge quality with his experience and versatility,” Arteta said. “He has played at the top of the game at both club and international level for a number of seasons now.
“Mikel will make our squad significantly stronger, with his technical ability, together with his strong and positive character and personality.
“As we all saw in the summer, Mikel is also a winner, with his strong performances throughout the Euros helping Spain win the tournament.”
Mikel Merino eyes return to Magpies
Arsenal isn’t Merino’s first time in England. Back in 2017, he joined Newcastle United from Borussia Dortmund. Sadly he did not last long at the club and went back to Spain a year later.
Speaking to La Opinion de A Coruna, Merino said his time at Newcastle convinced him to join Arsenal this summer.
“The Premier League had caught my attention because I enjoyed myself a lot at Newcastle and I always left the door open to returning. I don’t know what my future will be like.”
After a long layoff with injury, Merino returned to action in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain and impressed, winning four of his six duels on the night.
Arsenal midfielder says English football is different from Spain
As a player that has made the switch from Spain to England more than once in his career, Merino opened up on the differences in style between the two countries when it comes to football.
“It’s always there and everyone likes to talk about it. I have not been in the Premier League for a short time, but it is true that it is a very physical league, with a lot of contact and a lot of back and forth while LaLiga is something more positional in which the group is taken into account than the individual. In any case, they are two leagues in which a great show is offered”
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