Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sends five-word message to Mikel Merino after completing Arsenal transfer

Arsenal have secured their third major summer signing having finally confirmed the arrival of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.

The Gunners enjoyed a very productive Saturday evening, beating Aston Villa 2-0 at Villa Park.

Leandro Trossard impressed Ian Wright off the bench as he scored Arsenal’s opener before Thomas Partey added number two.

After two defeats against Villa last season, Arsenal will be delighted to have picked up three points in the West Midlands.

The attention now turns back to the transfer window though and Arsenal have a new signing on board.

Mikel Merino has finally arrived from Real Sociedad after weeks of speculation and the Spaniard is already excited to reunite with Martin Odegaard.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang message to Mikel Merino

Merino and Odegaard crossed paths at Real Sociedad in the 2019-20 season and now join forces again at Arsenal.

That connection should stand Arsenal in good stead and Merino also has a link to a former Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Merino and Aubameyang played together at Borussia Dortmund before the Gabonese striker headed to the Emirates Stadium.

Merino has now taken to Instagram to react to his move, posting a photo of him in an Arsenal shirt back in 2005 alongside a photo of him in the same pose on Tuesday.

‘Always a Gooner’ said Merino, highlighting his long-standing love for the club.

Aubameyang responded, stating ‘congratulations brother and good luck’, wishing former teammate Merino all the best in North London.

Odegaard showed his support too as the two midfielders prepare to feature in Mikel Arteta’s engine room.

More responses to Mikel Merino

Mat Ryan is another player with connections to Arsenal and Real Sociedad.

The Australian goalkeeper joined Arsenal in 2021 before becoming Merino’s teammate at Real Sociedad.

Ryan stated ‘all the best brother’ as he prepares to watch Merino’s progress in an Arsenal shirt.

Former Barcelona defender Marc Bartra added ‘congratulations friend and good luck’ with Real Sociedad teammate Brais Mendez adding his support.

Merino is clearly popular with former teammates and the hope is that he will now live out his dream and become an Arsenal star.

Jamie Redknapp has praised Merino’s move to Arsenal, believing that he is a simply ‘perfect’ player for the Premier League.

That is big praise to live up to but Arsenal will have real belief that he can live up to that billing moving forward.