So Anyar Arsenal's Mainstay, This Is Mikel Merino's Promise

New midfielder Arsenal Mikel Merino (X/@Arsenal)

JAKARTA - Midfielder Mikel Merino is referred to as Arsenal's right purchase. Merino, who was brought in from Real Sociedad, has a reputation as the most aggressive midfielder in La Liga Spain. He also made a promise to Arsenal when he went on a new adventure in the English Premier League.

Arsenal will be more qualified after signing Merino. How not, Arsenal successfully brought in one of the world's best midfielders.

He is not only good at the duel for the ball. Even Merino always won it so he helped build the game of Sociedad and the Spanish national team. This makes him the most competent midfielder.

Only Merino's transfer from Sociedad was not easy. However, Arsenal are still trying to get Merino. As a result, this 28-year-old player can move to North London. In order to attract Merino, Arsenal spent 31.6 million pounds or approximately 726 billion rupiah.

Merino is also ready to fight to maintain his reputation as a midfielder for '100% trying to win in the race for the ball'. Merinmo is a midfielder who has always won a duel over players in Europe's top leagues. He has recorded 326 wins in the race for the ball.

"This achievement is part of what I look like. It also shows the character that exists in me. Of course I still want to fight in the fight for the ball. This is something I have learned since I was a junior," Merino said as quoted by the club's website.

"Sometimes you win that fight, but sometimes you fail. I don't promise to win every fight, but I promise to fight 100 percent in every ball race," he said.

"I am a hard worker. I myself want to be a good team partner. I like to work in the team either when I have the ball or not. I think more about the collective aspects of the match. So, I will bring Spanish football culture," said Merino again.

Merino has played in Sociedad for the last six years. He performed at least 250 times and won the Copa del Rey 2020. Previously, Merino had played in the German Bundesliga by strengthening Borussia Dortmund. He has also been loaned to Newcastle United.

When he moved to Arsenal and returned to play in the Premier League, Merino was optimistic that he had no trouble adapting. Moreover, he has played with goalkeeper David Raya in the national team. They helped Spain win Euro 2024.

In addition, there are captains Martin Odegaard and Kieran Tierney who have stopped by to Sociedad as loan players. Mreka played together in the camp.

"I did have time to send a message with him [Raya] over the last few days. We have good relations in the team. I hope this relationship can be better at Arsenal," he said.

Merino's recruitment is expected to help the Gunners end their Premier League trophy fasting this season. Previously, Mikel Arteta's team had always failed in the race for the title for the last two seasons after being beaten by Manchester City.