Arsenal have reached agreement with La Liga club Real Sociedad to sign Spain international midfielder Mikel Merino.

28-year-old Merino joins Arsenal with a four-year contract, for an initial fee of 33.5 million euros (37 million U.S. dollars), with the possibility of a further five million euros depending on incentives.

Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong (L) vies with Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino during a Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad in Barcelona, Spain, on Aug. 15, 2021. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)

Meanwhile, the player, who was entering the last year of his contract, has agreed a four-year contract.

"Mikel is a player who will bring us huge quality with his experience and versatility," said manager Mikel Arteta on the Arsenal website.

"Mikel will make our squad significantly stronger, with his technical ability, together with his strong and positive character and personality," added the coach.

Merino began his career with Osasuna, before joining Borussia Dortmund in 2016 and he also spent a season on loan at Newcastle, before returning to Spain in 2018 and spending the past six years with Real Sociedad.

His 27 goals in 242 appearances have helped the San Sebastian-based club qualify for Europe in the past five years, as well as the 2020 Copa del Rey (which was played in 2021) and he has also played 28 times for Spain, appearing in all of their games in this summer's successful European Championship campaign.

"As we all saw in the summer, Mikel is also a winner, with his strong performances throughout the Euros helping Spain win the tournament," highlighted Arteta, who also had a spell playing for Real Sociedad.

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