Mikel Merino has finally put pen to paper on his Arsenal contract, and immediately vowed to ‘fight for every ball with 100 per cent.’
The Spain international, who won the European Championships with his national team in Germany this summer, has arrived from Real Sociedad with a reputation as one of the continent’s most combative midfielders.
Indeed he won more duels than any other players across Europe’s big five leagues last season (326) and speaking in his first interview after signing, he said he can’t wait to bring those qualities to his new club.
“I think that’s a big part of my game and that shows the character that I have," he said.