Arsenal could be about to make a signing that will fully unlock Declan Rice

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Arsenal look set to make their second major signing of the summer transfer window in the shape of Mikel Merino.

Arsenal have agreed a fee to sign Merino, and with personal terms said to be agreed, it may not be long before Merino is an Arsenal player.

Speaking on ESPN, Craig Burley has been discussing Merino and the impact he could have at Arsenal this season.

The pundit reckons that Merino could actually enhance Declan Rice as a player, claiming that Merino’s defensive ability could allow Rice more freedom to drive forward and really flex his attacking abilities.

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Mikel Merino could unlock Declan Rice

Burley shared his verdict on Merino to Arsenal.

“Well, I think Mikel Merino can do a little bit of both. I think he is more of an all-round midfielder, as is somewhat Declan Rice,” Burley said.

“People have him pigeon-holed as a defensive but he can and we saw last year when Jorginho came into the side or at times Thomas Partey came in, it freed Declan Rice to go and be more supportive to Martin Odegaard. And I think Mikel Merino can do that.”

How Mikel Arteta will use Declan Rice this season

This is an interesting verdict from Burley, and it does fit into what we have heard about Rice previously.

Indeed, according to Dean Jones, Rice could play as both a number six and a number eight once Merino has signed.

“He sees him as a man who can complement Declan Rice well, I said this week that Declan Rice could play two roles this season as a six and an eight, and that comes down to Merino coming through and that is now coming through,” Jones said.

Rice could be a real attacking threat this season once Merino has signed, and that could add a brand new dynamic to this Arsenal team.

Merino could be a very exciting addition to what is already a brilliant Arsenal team.