Arsenal have completed the signing of Mikel Merino on a four-year deal. The Spanish midfielder joins from Real Sociedad and is set to strengthen Arsenal’s midfield options for the upcoming seasons.
🚨 Arsenal will officially announce the signing of Mikel Merino ‘shortly’. [@MikRec] #afc pic.twitter.com/Qhnig8ACqC
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 27, 2024
In other moves, Fabio Vieira has returned to FC Porto on a season-long loan. Arsenal will cover his salary during this period, and there is no buy option included in the deal. The loan agreement includes clauses based on specific objectives, and Porto will incur penalties if Vieira does not play in at least 50% of their matches.
Eddie Nketiah is also leaving Arsenal, joining Crystal Palace in a permanent move. The deal is set at a £25 million fixed fee, with an additional £5 million in potential add-ons. Nketiah has agreed to the move and is scheduled to complete his medical tests shortly.
The Gunners have started the 2024/25 Premier League campaign with a perfect record, winning both of their opening two games. Their new signing, Merino, will need some time to adapt to his new surroundings in London and will likely not start in Arsenal’s match against Brighton on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium.