Mikel Merino has been bought by Arsenal for £32 million.

The centre back, who is 28 years old, joined from Real Sociedad on a four-year deal with an extra year’s option.

The Gunners will now try to get a new forward before the transfer deadline on Friday.

Merino joins after weeks of talks with Arsenal. He helped Spain win the Euros this summer and was one of manager Mikel Arteta’s top summer goals.

Arteta said, “Mikel is a player with a lot of quality who will bring us a lot of experience and a lot of different skills.” He has been at the top of his game for many years, both for his club team and for his country.

“Mikel’s technical skills and strong, positive personality will make our team much stronger.”

SunSport gets it. Merino is an important addition to Arteta’s midfield choices because he can play as a No. 8 or a defensive holder.

Along with Riccardo Calafiori, who came from Bologna for £42 million, he makes Arsenal’s left side stronger, which was something Arteta really wanted to do.

Merino, who is 6 feet 2 inches tall, gives an already very tall team even more height and strength. He also gives both the offence and defence better set pieces.

With the signing of Merino, Arsenal will have spent more than £100 million this summer. They already spent £27 million on keeper David Raya and £42 million on defender Riccardo Calafiori.

He might play his first game as soon as this weekend, in the last game for his new team before the international break.

Gunners will try to make it three wins in a row in the Premier League when they play Brighton at home. Brighton also has a perfect record.

Arteta would like to sign another forward first, though.

Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao has been linked, but a move for him is unlikely because of how much it would cost, especially in terms of pay.

Arsenal is looking at a lot of different choices. Fulham already paid £27 million for Emile Smith Rowe this window.

Also, the sale of Eddie Nketiah will bring in an extra £30 million for them.

The 25-year-old striker is almost ready to join Crystal Palace; personal terms have already been agreed upon.

Fabio Vieira will also be gone from North London. He will be loaned to Porto for the season.