Mikel Merino has been acquired by Arsenal for £32 million.

The 28-year-old midfielder has inked a four-year contract with the option of an additional year from Real Sociedad.

The Gunners will now attempt to secure a new forward prior to the transfer deadline on Friday.

Arsenal unveil new signing MerinoCredit: Getty

Arteta and Edu Gaspar with new signing MerinoCredit: Getty

Mikel Arteta is now eyeing a late transfer move for a forward before the window closesCredit: Reuters

Merino, who has recently won the Euros with Spain, is one of Mikel Arteta’s primary summer priorities. He has been in discussions with the Gunners for several weeks.

Arteta stated, “Mikel is a player who will provide us with exceptional quality due to his versatility and experience.” For several seasons, he has maintained his position at the pinnacle of the game, both at the club and international levels.

“Mikel’s technical proficiency, coupled with his positive and resilient character, will significantly enhance the strength of our squad.”

SunSport comprehends Arteta regards Merino as a critical component of his midfield options, as he can serve as either a defensive holder or a No.8.

In addition to the £42 million acquisition of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, he fortifies Arsenal’s left-hand side, a position that Arteta was eager to enhance.

Merino, who stands at 6ft2, also contributes to the squad’s already formidable height and physicality, as well as his superiority in set-pieces in both defence and attack.

With the confirmation of Merino, Arsenal’s summer expenditure will surpass £100 million. The club has also spent £27 million on keeper David Raya and £42 million on defender Riccardo Calafiori.

He has the potential to make his debut as early as this weekend in the penultimate match of his new club before the international break.

At home, the Gunners will be striving to achieve their third consecutive victory in the Premier League against Brighton, who also maintain an unblemished record.

However, Arteta would prefer to acquire an additional forward prior to that time.

“As we all saw in the summer, Mikel is also a winner, with his strong performances throughout the Euros helping Spain win the tournament. We are delighted to welcome Mikel and his family to the club and can’t wait to start working with him.”

Sporting Director Edu added: “We are so happy to have completed the transfer of Mikel Merino. This has been another great team effort from many people at the club to finalise the transfer of a player who attracted interest from a number of clubs over the summer.

“Mikel was a key target for us this summer, and we identified him as a player who can fit perfectly into our squad and profile to improve us, as we aim to build on our strong performances of last season. With Mikel’s arrival, he brings us an added high quality of experience, physicality and athleticism as we look forward to this season ahead.

“We welcome Mikel and his family to the club, and look forward to seeing him play in the Arsenal shirt.”

Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams has been linked to the deal; however, it is improbable that he will be transferred due to the financial implications, particularly in terms of wages.

Arsenal is currently exploring a variety of alternatives, as they have already received £27 million in advance from Fulham for Emile Smith Rowe this window.

Additionally, the Gunners are expected to receive an additional £30 million from the sale of Eddie Nketiah.

The 25-year-old striker is on the brink of joining Crystal Palace, as personal terms have been reached.

Fabio Vieira is also scheduled to depart north London on a season-long loan to Porto.