{statorium_team tid=9 sid=343 text="Arsenal"} have finally announced the signing of {statorium_player pid=922 sid=343 text="Mikel Merino"}, as the Spaniard put pen on paper and immediately vowed to 'fight for every ball with 100 per cent'.
Arriving from {statorium_team tid=32 sid=344 text="Real Sociedad"}, the Spain international is known for being one of the continent's most aggressive midfielders. This summer, he won the European Championships with his country - {statorium_team tid=389 sid=321 text="Spain"}.
In fact, he won 326 duels last season - more than any other player in any of the top five leagues - and he expressed excitement about bringing those skills to his new team in his first interview following his arrival.
Merino ready to shine for Arsenal
“I think that’s a big part of my game and that shows the character that I have," he told. "I want to fight for every ball and this is something that I learnt when I was really young. Maybe you can win it, or you won’t. I’m not promising I will win every duel, but what I can promise is that I will fight for every ball with 100 per cent."
“It’s always tough to talk about myself in those kinds of terms, but I think I’m a hard worker, I want to call myself a good teammate. I like to work for the team with or without the ball. I’m always thinking about the collective aspect of the game. I like to play with the ball, I have a Spanish culture of football.”
The 28-year-old has played in Spain's top division with Real Sociedad for the last six seasons, making approximately 250 games and taking home the Cope del Rey in 2020. He has had brief stints with {statorium_team tid=42 text="Borussia Dortmund"} in the past and spent a season in the Premier League with {statorium_team tid=10 text="Newcastle United"} in the previous campaign. He thinks that his background will serve him well.
“I think it will be massive, because of how tough this league is if you come as a new player,” he added. “Maybe you don’t realise it until you try it. But right now I have the idea of how this league is and how tough every game is. Obviously talking with teammates, or ex-teammates who are here, I know how high the standard is right now. You have to win every single game. I have a little idea of the stadiums, the teams, the atmosphere you are about to expect, it’s always an advantage.”
Merino will now be looking to make his Arsenal debut when the Gunners take on {statorium_team tid=19 sid=343 text="Brighton"} at the Emirates this weekend.