What Mikel Arteta now plans to do with Declan Rice after Mikel Merino signs for Arsenal – journalist

Mikel Merino looks set to become Arsenal’s second major signing of this transfer window.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are ‘really close’ to signing Merino.

The Spaniard’s arrival at the Emirates does throw up a few questions about how the team will look going forward.

Indeed, with so many midfield options available to Mikel Arteta now, it will be interesting to see where Merino fits in.

According to Dean Jones, speaking on the Ranks FC Ultras Podcast, Arteta sees Merino as a perfect partner for Declan Rice, with the journalist claiming that Arsenal’s plan is to use Rice as both a number six and a number eight this season.

• READ MORE: Mikel Arteta could use ‘struggling’ £34m Arsenal player in an entirely new position next season

Arsenal’s plan for Declan Rice

Jones shared what he knows about Merino and Rice.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all that this deal is now coming through. We are on our way to the Merino transfer happening. This is a move that opens up the options that Arsenal have next season in the middle of the park,” Jones said.

“Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer of this player as he had been with Zubimendi, but there was always a feeling this one could be easier and at a better price. Also his attitude and application, those two things are key in what Mikel Arteta sees in Mikel Merino.

“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.”

Rice and Merino could be unstoppable

Rice and Merino could be one of the toughest midfield partnerships in the Premier League.

Indeed, both players are incredibly physical players who are both brilliant on the ball.

Arsenal already had the best defensive record in the Premier League last season, but if they use both Rice and Merino in tandem in the midfield, they will be even more frightening as a defensive force.

Good luck trying to score against the Gunners this season.