Ranking every Arsenal first-team signing this summer

1. Mikel Merino

Maybe not the name that fans want as our best signing, and he is already out injured.

Merino does not hold the most thrilling CV: he came through the ranks at Osasuna, had two brief spells at Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle respectively, before laying down roots at Real Sociedad for the past six years. His #6 or #8 role is also unlikely to get pulses racing.

However, the 28-year-old does form a vital piece of the Arsenal jigsaw and bears all the hallmarks of being a strong central addition.

One such trait is his versatility (like with all Arteta purchases) as he can play in any midfield position. He also constitutes the passing profile that the team has lacked since Granit Xhaka left and, at 6ft 2in, comes out on top in almost every aerial duel (99th percentile for 'Aerials Won' among his European counterparts).

Familiarity with captain Martin Odegaard, from their time together in the Basque Country, should do no harm in facilitating his integration into the first team either.

On paper, Merino fits the Arsenal system like a glove and he could prove to be a very smart recruit.  

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