'It's perfect!' - Declan Rice tipped to benefit from Mikel Merino's £25m move to Arsenal as Gunners legend endorses pursuit of Spain star

Merino, currently with Real Sociedad, has an impressive track record, including a stint at Newcastle United during the 2017/18 season. His recent contributions to Spain's Euro 2024 victory in Germany further highlight his capabilities. Arsenal, in need of a new midfielder following Emile Smith Rowe's move to Fulham, sees Merino as a valuable addition to Mikel Arteta's squad.

Merino's 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. He is being touted as a natural successor to Granit Xhaka, who transferred to Bayer Leverkusen last year, and Parlour's endorsement comes amid ongoing discussions between Arsenal and Real Sociedad over a £25 million (€30m/$32m) deal for the Spanish midfielder.

Speaking on the talkSPORT Breakfast Show, Parlour said: "They're looking at Thomas Partey, he might be on his way out, so they do need a little bit of strengthening in that midfield. It [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. And as I've said before, I'm a little bit of an old-fashioned midfielder, I like the box-to-box players. 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."

Parlour continued to praise Merino, saying, "He's a top player, performing well for both Spain and Real Sociedad. At 28, he's at an optimal age, making this a good investment for Arsenal. With £25 million, it's a solid deal, and their good relationship with Real Sociedad, especially with [Kieran] Tierney's loan, facilitates this transfer."

Merino contributed eight goals and five assists across all competitions last season and demonstrated his defensive prowess by winning the most duels in Europe's top seven leagues, totalling 326.

Reports suggest that Real Sociedad are 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. Whereas, for Arsenal, acquiring a European Championship winner for €30 million is seen as a strategic masterstroke. There is little doubt that Merino's addition to Arsenal's summer signings, which include David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori, will strengthen the squad significantly as they aim to beat Manchester City to the Premier League title.