Arsenal star Declan Rice’s cousin, 21, joins League One club on loan from Middlesbrough after stellar spell with Swindon

DECLAN RICE’S cousin will kick off the 2026/27 season in League One with Blackpool. Finley Munroe was unveiled by the Seasiders as their latest signing from Championship team Middlesbrough. Finley Munroe will join League One side Blackpool on a season-long loan from Middlesbrough Credit: Getty Munroe is the younger cousin of Arsenal and England star Declan Rice Credit: Getty The Chelsea academy product, 21, will join Ian Evatt’s side on a season-long loan deal. Speaking to his new club, Munroe said: “I’ve had some really positive discussions with the gaffer. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! “The way he wants to play and the ambitions he has for this season really attracted me to the club. I think it’s a good fit for me.” The left-back made the move to Aston Villa at the age of 16, where he made only two senior appearances. Instead, Munroe spent much of his time at third-tier Spanish team Real Union on loan. And, more recently, at Swindon Town under former Pool boss Ian Holloway. Munroe scored two goals and provided seven assists during the first half of last season in League Two with the County Ground outfit. So it was unsurprising when Boro sealed a permanent deal to secure Munroe in January 2026. Most read in Sport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Play Dream Team this season! £100,000 in prize money up for grabs in 2026/27 Free to enter Play in Mini Leagues against your mates £60,000 jackpot for the overall winner £1,000 prize for winning Gameweek 1 PLAY DREAM TEAM NOW! The youngster then made his debut from the bench later that month in their 4-0 victory over Preston North End. Blackpool head coach Evatt said: “We are delighted to have added Finley to our ranks, providing further quality to our backline ahead of the league campaign kicking off this weekend. “He is someone who has undoubted quality and is keen to progress even further here at Bloomfield Road. “I believe he will be a key player for us on the left-hand side of our team and I can’t wait to start working with him.” Blackpool, who finished 13th last season, have already overcome Grimsby in their first competitive game of the season, booking a place in the Carabao Cup‘s second round. Their league campaign will kick off this Saturday as they host Wycombe. Comment now