Arsenal legend Ray Parlous has hailed the impending signing of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad.
Mikel Arteta has identified the Spain international as the ideal player to bolster his midfield engine room.
The Arsenal boss broke the club transfer record in order to lure Declan Rice from West Ham last summer, but is operating with a more modest budget in the current window.
Having spent £42 million on defender Riccardo Calafiori, Arteta’s current focus has centered on strengthening his midfield engine room.
The experienced Jorginho has signed a new 12-month contract but with Thomas Partey’s future still uncertain, Arsenal appear shot of numbers in central midfield.
Ghana international Partey looked off the pace during Wednesday’s pre-season defeat against Liverpool and has been linked with a move the Saudi Pro League.
With just a year left on his contract, Merino represents a cost-effective solution to Arsenal’s current midfield conundrum and the former Newcastle player’s imminent arrival would leave Partey vulnerable, according to Parlour.
‘You look at Thomas Partey,’ Parlour told talkSPORT. ‘He might be on his way so they do need a little bit of strengthening in that midfield and give Declan Rice that little bit more license to go forward.
‘I like the box to box players like Bryan Robson back in the day. It’s just using common sense as a midfielder, if someone runs past you you just fill in for them.
‘Merino is a good age, at 28 he’s perfect he should be in his prime. At £25 million that’s a decent deal. They’ve got a decent relationship with Real Sociedad with Tierney going there.’
Ethan Nwaneri could, meanwhile, offer an internal solution to Arsenal’s midfield shortage following impressive performance on his side’s tour of America.
Speaking about the chances of the teenager featuring prominently this season, Arteta praised Nwaneri after last week’s win over Manchester United.
He said: ‘It’s always in the hands of the players, so show what you can do. Show that ambition, that determination, that quality and things will happen naturally.
‘Tomorrow he’s going to train with us again and if he continues to play like that he’s going to play some minutes on Wednesday for sure.’
MORE : Mikel Arteta urged to sign Man City star to take Arsenal to ‘another level’
MORE : Arsenal star told he has ‘a lot to do’ to reach Manchester City hero’s level
MORE : Arsenal ‘in pole position’ to sign Euro 2024 France star on free transfer
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
