Mikel Merino reveals what Kieran Tierney told him hours before he signed for Arsenal

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal have finally signed Mikel Merino.

The Gunners went into the market looking for a new midfielder, and Merino became Arsenal’s top target after they finalised a deal to sign Riccardo Calafiori.

Talks with Real Sociedad were long and hard, but Edu Gaspar and everyone else involved in negotiations managed to get the deal over the line in the end.

Merino was announced as a new Arsenal player on Tuesday, and he has now spoken to the club’s media team.

What Kieran Tierney told Mikel Merino before he joined Arsenal

Kieran Tierney and Merino spent a season together at Real Sociedad in 2023/24.

The Scot was sent to the Spanish club on a season-long loan deal last year, and he had a fairly good time in San Sebastian.

While he was there, Tierney struck a great relationship with Merino, who was one of the few people at the club who spoke fluent English.

Now, the two of them have been reunited again at Arsenal – albeit Tierney is very likely to leave the club before Friday’s deadline.

During his first interview with Arsenal, Merino was asked about Tierney and if they had any conversations ahead of his move to the Emirates.

The Spaniard revealed: “Yes, of course, we were talking last year as well, when we were there.

“I was asking some questions, because I always want to learn new things, and how life was in Arsenal, how they were doing things.

“We spoke a few hours ago as well, and he said that this is a huge step for me in terms of my football career and also that I will love London and England.

“If he says this is a good place, then this is a good place.”

READ MORE: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sends message to Mikel Merino after he signed for Arsenal

When Mikel Merino is expected to make his Arsenal debut

Arsenal would’ve ideally liked to see Merino at the club before the new Premier League season began, but that didn’t happen.

However, the Spaniard is here now, and Arsenal fans can’t wait to see him in action.

Reports have revealed that Merino is in line to make his Arsenal debut against Brighton and Hove Albion when the two sides meet this Saturday.

We don’t expect the midfielder to start the game, but there is every chance he will get a few minutes off the bench. We’re convinced Arsenal fans will give him a great welcome.

It will be interesting to see how Merino will fare at Arsenal this season.