Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reacts as Mikel Merino expresses delight over joining Arsenal

Arsenal have signed Spain international midfielder Mikel Merino on a four-year deal with the option of a further 12 months after parting with an initial £27.4 million for his services.

Another £4.2m could be paid in add-ons in the future, and the Gunners will be glad to have finally got the deal over the line following several weeks of negotiations.

The Spaniard took to social media platform Instagram afterwards to express his delight at joining Arsenal, uploading some pictures of himself wearing the Gunners jersey as a kid.

Former Gunners striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and captain Martin Odegaard have reacted to the news.

Merino will be keen to hit the ground running upon his return to the Premier League after his earlier stint at Newcastle United failed to go as planned, and he has the experience and quality to make Arsenal better.

The Gunners have started 2024-25 impressively, winning their opening two games of the new Premier League campaign, and they will be hungrier to go one better having finished behind Manchester City in each of the last two seasons.

The addition of the 28-year-old will help boost their chances in the title race as Arsenal now have a physical and technical midfield capable of giving any club on the planet a run for their money.

The Gunners signed Italy international defender Riccardo Calafiori earlier in the summer after activating an option to buy Spain international goalkeeper David Raya following his impressive loan last term.

Arsenal could look to make one or two additions to their squad ahead of the summer transfer window deadline on Friday night, with manager Mikel Arteta keen on bolstering his attacking options.

Only Man City (96) scored more league goals than them (91) last term, but they may need to outscore their rivals this season if they are to win their first title since 2004, and landing another quality finisher will come in very handy.