Mikel Merino is the “perfect” player to complement Declan Rice in Arsenal’s midfield.
This is according to invincible Gunners Ray Parlour, who has given his former employer his blessing in the pursuit of the Real Sociedad star.
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The Pitch Prospect has learned that Arsenal and the La Liga side are currently in talks over a summer transfer for the 28-year-old, which could potentially exceed £25 million.
Merino, who spent the 2017/18 season at Newcastle, played in all of Spain’s games at the 2024 European Championships, helping the team win the cup in Germany.
And he could now fit into Mikel Arteta’s lineup as the club look for a new midfielder following Emile Smith Rowe’s move to Fulham.
He can play as a left eight or in a double six and is expected to play alongside Declan Rice and captain Martin Odegaard should he sign.
Parlour is seen as a natural replacement for Granit Xhaka, who was sold to Bayer Leverkusen last year, and believes a potential transfer would be a great deal.
In an interview on the The Pitch Prospect Breakfast Show, Parlour stressed that his possible arrival could also mean the end of Thomas Partey’s career in north London, while Rice would still have the opportunity to work his way forward.
He said: “They are keeping an eye on Thomas Partey. He could be on the way out, so they need to strengthen their midfield a little bit.
“It [Merino transfer] gives Declan Rice a little more freedom up front when you have another defensive midfielder there.
“I know he plays like that for England in the defensive position, but I like to see Declan go forward.
“And as I said, I’m a bit of an old-fashioned midfielder, I like the box-to-box players.
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“You just have to use your common sense as a midfielder. If someone playing next to you runs past you and goes forward, you just step in for them and vice versa. It’s very, very straightforward.”
And Merino ticks all the boxes in this regard, as the former Borussia Dortmund player contributed eight goals and five assists in all competitions last season.
At the same time, he demonstrated his defensive skills by winning 326 tackles last season, the most of any player in Europe’s top seven leagues.
Parlour continued: “Merino is a top player, he has played well for Spain and Real Sociedad.
“At 28, he is at a good age, it is perfect, at this point he should be at his best.
“And Arsenal said: ‘For £25 million, that’s a good deal.’
“I think they have a good relationship with Real Sociedad anyway. [Kieran] Tierney is going there on loan.”
Parlour further explained that Arsenal now only need a top centre-forward to win their first Premier League title since 2004, which involved ‘Romford Pele’.
He noted: “I’m sure if they get a No. 9 as well, they’ll have a great chance.”
“But look, Man City will still be the favourites to win the league.”