I am really excited by him. I'm convinced. @BWoolley got it right

Clrnc been saying this guy will be a game changer. He is going to help solve a lot of our left side connectivity issues, while giving us all those defensive attributes Arteta loves. It’s an important veteran buy like Trossard - who was also under appreciated on his arrival.

You know he's going to last too. Been at the top of his game since PES 5.

Over or under against Arteta’s career here?

150 games
16 goals
8 assists

over on the goals and assists.

I'd rather not predict Merino will pull up trees. What I'm expecting from him is maturity and confidence, footballing aggression and a properly cultivated, Swiss Army knife skillset which allows him to contribute in different ways. Those raking forward passes on the highlights reel will be turnovers in real matches ... it's more his energy, mobility and strength in duels that will be an asset.

Very glad he's had that stint in Newcastle already so he knows the league fairly well. This will be a great transfer if he stays rolling, doesn't mind being benched sometimes, and works out a bit better than 22–23 Xhaka for two or three seasons.

he's trained with the first team already apparently

looks like a unit too

Lets go. Finally. Welcome to the Arsenal, Big Mik!

Speaks pretty good English too, thats always a bonus. (at least from that small clip). Its about time it was finalized. Now onto the next phantom target!

This is pretty cool actually.

est I was coming here to post this. It’s giving me the feels

He's in the building. Quite enjoy the "cult induction" thing we do for new players nowadays. Arteta's always saying something like "We must all show Mikel the Way".

USArsenal He lived in Newcastle. His English must be good.

Don Pacifico He's an Arsenal supporter since young.

The other cool thing is today I learned that Charlie Patino is a boyhood Deportivo La Coruna fan and he was starstruck when his idol Lucas Perez signed for us last time.

Love everything about this signing. He's going to fit perfectly into our midfield.

Very happy with this think he will be a really solid, reliable performer for us, who knows how to play LCM.

He should also be able to spell Rice now and then and also keeps the experience high in our midfield when Jorginho/Partey leave next year and he doesn't block Nwaneri.

Should also have no issues settling in. He already knows Odegaard and Raya. Plus his manager Spanish. Also knows the league and English seems good

Welcome to Arsenal Mikel. Looking forward to seeing your corner flag celebration

Welcome Merino

We need to integrate him into the team before the City match. Main tactics should be hoofing it to him and Havertz in order to evade their press.

Does he make us stronger at breaking through a mid block?

Clrnc He lived in Newcastle. His English must be good.

Reckon even the native Geordies wouldn't be able to say their English is good.