What can Arsenal expect from new signing Mikel Merino?

Arsenal signed Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino in a deal worth around £32m, but the Spaniard is yet to feature on the pitch at his new club.

After winning Euro 2024 with Spain, even netting the winner against Germany in the quarter-finals, Merino's arrival was highly-awaited, and Arsenal may have struck an impressive deal here financially, too.

But an unfortunate shoulder injury in his first training session will delay his Gunners debut, and as such, fans will have to wait a little more time to see what he will bring to the Emirates.

However, considering the player's background and extensive experience across Europe, it will undoubtedly be exciting to see Merino in action, and here are a few things he could bring to Mikel Arteta's squad.

1. Depth in midfield

After Granit Xhaka's departure a year ago, Arsenal have generally felt a little thin around the midfield - despite the addition of Declan Rice. Of course, the Englishman has been excellent in his tenure so far, and it was Thomas Partey's fitness frailties that meant it appeared as though both he and Xhaka had left in the same window.

Although Partey should be back and involved in the squad, Merino should nonetheless bulletproof the squad depth in the middle of the park. A slightly younger alternative, he could stay in a useful squad role for at least a few seasons, too.

His immediate injury was incredibly frustrating, as he could've played a vital role in Arsenal's tough opening fixtures following Rice's unavailability due to suspension and Martin Odegaard's ankle sprain, but Merino should be back in action after the October international break.

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