‘It’s perfect!’ – Declan Rice tipped to benefit from Mikel Merino’s £25m move to Arsenal as Gunners legend endorses pursuit of Spain star
### Declan Rice Tipped to Thrive with Mikel Merino’s £25m Move to Arsenal: Gunners Legend Ray Parlour Backs Spain Star
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has confidently tipped Declan Rice to thrive with the impending arrival of Mikel Merino at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen on adding more steel to his midfield, and Merino’s £25 million move from Real Sociedad seems to be the perfect solution.
#### Arsenal’s Midfield Reinforcement Strategy
Mikel Arteta has been vocal about his desire to strengthen Arsenal’s midfield, especially after Emile Smith Rowe’s transfer to Fulham. The Gunners have been pushing hard to secure Merino from Real Sociedad, seeing him as a critical addition to the squad.
Merino’s impressive track record includes a stint at Newcastle United during the 2017/18 season and recent contributions to Spain’s Euro 2024 victory in Germany. His versatility allows him to play as a left-sided No. 8 or in a double pivot, making him a strategic fit alongside Declan Rice and captain Martin Odegaard. The Spaniard is seen as a natural successor to Granit Xhaka, who transferred to Bayer Leverkusen last year.
#### Ray Parlour’s Endorsement
Speaking on the talkSPORT Breakfast Show, Ray Parlour praised the potential signing of Merino. “They’re looking at Thomas Partey, who might be on his way out, so they do need a little bit of strengthening in that midfield,” Parlour said. “The Merino transfer gives Declan Rice a little bit more license to go forward if you’ve got another holding midfielder in there. I know he plays like that for England in that holding role, but I like to see Declan get forward.”
Parlour emphasized the benefits of having a box-to-box player like Rice, stating, “It’s just using your common sense as a midfielder. If someone runs past you that is playing alongside you and gets forward, you just fill in for him, and vice versa. It’s very, very straightforward.”
#### Merino’s Impact and Transfer Details
At 28, Merino is at an optimal age for a significant contribution to Arsenal. Last season, he contributed eight goals and five assists across all competitions and demonstrated his defensive prowess by winning the most duels in Europe’s top seven leagues, totaling 326. Parlour noted, “He’s a top player, performing well for both Spain and Real Sociedad. With £25 million, it’s a solid deal, and their good relationship with Real Sociedad, especially with Kieran Tierney’s loan, facilitates this transfer.”
#### Real Sociedad’s Preparations for Merino’s Departure
Reports suggest that Real Sociedad is already preparing for Merino’s departure by targeting Carlos Soler from Paris Saint-Germain as his replacement. Soler, formerly of Valencia, has struggled in France, making this move a strategic reshuffle for Sociedad.
For Arsenal, acquiring a European Championship winner for €30 million is seen as a strategic masterstroke. The addition of Merino to Arsenal’s summer signings, which include David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori, will significantly strengthen the squad. As the Gunners aim to beat Manchester City to the Premier League title, Merino’s arrival could be a crucial element in achieving their goals.
### Conclusion
The potential signing of Mikel Merino is generating excitement among Arsenal fans and football pundits alike. With Ray Parlour’s endorsement and Mikel Arteta’s clear vision for strengthening the midfield, Merino’s addition to the squad promises to bring a new level of versatility and strength. As the discussions between Arsenal and Real Sociedad continue, the Gunners’ supporters eagerly await the official confirmation of this strategic transfer.
