Arsenal set to make late transfer dash for forward after sealing Mikel Merino in third signing of the summer

ARSENAL have completed the £32m capture of Mikel Merino.

The 28-year-old midfielder has signed from Real Sociedad on a four-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.

Now the Gunners will look to sign a new forward before Friday’s transfer deadline.

One of boss Mikel Arteta’s prime summer targets, Merino joins off the back of winning the Euros with Spain this summer following weeks of talks with the Gunners.

Arteta said: “Mikel is a player who will bring us huge quality with his experience and versatility. He has played at the top of the game at both club and international level for a number of seasons now.

“Mikel will make our squad significantly stronger, with his technical ability, together with his strong and positive character and personality.

“As we all saw in the summer, Mikel is also a winner, with his strong performances throughout the Euros helping Spain win the tournament. We are delighted to welcome Mikel and his family to the club and can’t wait to start working with him.”

Sporting Director Edu added: “We are so happy to have completed the transfer of Mikel Merino. This has been another great team effort from many people at the club to finalise the transfer of a player who attracted interest from a number of clubs over the summer.

“Mikel was a key target for us this summer, and we identified him as a player who can fit perfectly into our squad and profile to improve us, as we aim to build on our strong performances of last season. With Mikel’s arrival, he brings us an added high quality of experience, physicality and athleticism as we look forward to this season ahead.

“We welcome Mikel and his family to the club, and look forward to seeing him play in the Arsenal shirt.”

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SunSport understands Arteta views Merino as an important addition to his midfield options – operating as a No.8 or a defensive holder.

Alongside the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for £42m, he adds strength to Arsenal’s left-hand side, an area Arteta was desperate to strengthen.

At 6ft2, Merino also adds height and physicality to an already formidably tall squad, as well as superiority at set-pieces both in attack and defence.

With Merino confirmed, Arsenal’s total summer spending will exceed £100m having also spent £27m on keeper David Raya and £42m on defender Riccardo Calafiori.

He could make his debut as early as this weekend in his new club’s final match before the international break.

The Gunners will be looking to make it three wins from three in the Premier League at home to Brighton, who also have a 100 per cent record.

But before then, Arteta would like to sign another forward.

Links to Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams have been reported but a move for him is unlikely given the finances of the deal – especially in terms of wages.

Arsenal are looking at numerous options having also received £27m up front from Fulham for Emile Smith Rowe already this window.

And the Gunners are set to receive another £30m from the sale of Eddie Nketiah.

The 25-year-old striker is on the verge of joining Crystal Palace, with personal terms already agreed.

Fabio Vieira is also set to leave north London on a season-long loan to Porto.