Ray Parlour believes Scott Parker is the answer to Arsenal’s midfield problems, not Joey Barton – is the former Arsenal midfielder right?
Rumours are beginning to surface that Arsene Wenger is preparing a shock move for the Newcastle man this summer, in an attempt to add a little ‘bite’ to his midfield next season. However, Parlour, who won three Premier League titles under Wenger, recently told talkSPORT that the Gunners should be looking at the West Ham skipper rather than Barton.
The ex-Gunner told the Weekend Sports Breakfast:
‘They do need strength in the midfield but I’d go for Scotty Parker.’
‘Scotty has proved that he can do it internationally and I think he’d fit in very easily and it would be a great move as well.’
‘He’s got all you need from a midfield player. He breaks things up, he’s a good tackler, he drives things on as he has done for West Ham. He’s been a one-man-team for West Ham this season so I would pick him.’
He goes onto say:
‘Joey Barton has knuckled down a bit better but he’s been playing on the right-hand side for Newcastle but for me the way Arsenal play I think Parker would fit in perfectly in that holding role in front of the back four. He’s not going to get up and down like he used to but he’s got the experience now and he’s been at some big clubs.’
If I had to pick one out of the two, then I would go for Scotty Parker, as I think he is a better overall player than Barton.
Despite being older than Joey by two years, I just feel the Hammers captain possesses more heart and desire, as well as technical ability, than that of the Newcastle midfielder (just my opinion of course).
Without a doubt, both players are tough-tackling, tenacious midfielders, but I think Barton’s attitude lets him down slightly. Don’t get me wrong, I do think the 28-year-old midfielder is a good player, I just think his behaviour wouldn’t appeal to Wenger.
Parker carries more Premier League experience under his belt than that of Barton (five to be exact) and has played for ‘bigger’ clubs in the past. I also believe he would form a better partnership alongside Jack Wilshere, of whom he has already played with in an England shirt on a number of occasions.
If history has taught us anything, Wenger will go for the cheaper option, and considering the Hammers dropped to the Championship, then Parker should realistically cost less than Barton.
The fact of the matter is we need a resolute midfielder amongst our ranks, and whether you guys agree with me or not is entirely up to you, but I strongly believe that Parker is the man to add ‘bite’ to our line-up next season.
Who would you guys prefer to see in an Arsenal shirt next season – Parker or Barton?
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I think Barton will significantly increase our red card count wich we clearly dont need plus i dont know how he wud get along with the likes of diaby and Sagna…..on another point why is it that arsenal always wait till the last minute b4 they sign any players, i believe Alex Ferguson has the rite plan, he always signs players at the beginning of the transfer window that way the players are always involved in pre-season and that makes it easy to integrate them into the team and gives an idea of the best formation b4 the seaon starts…
For me this choice is a ‘No Brainer’,it has to be JOEY BARTON !!!!!.He is a BETTER Player than Scott Parker,Younger, Stronger,more Skills in his locker.Need proof,just look at the two games between us and Newcastle last season,he was easily the best player on the Park.One Gooner suggested that he has ‘Beefs’ with some members of our Squad,GOOD,so much the better,bring it on.No Gooner can be happy with the attitude of our team in the latter part of the season,Barton would bring a bit of ‘Spice’help get the Team livened up a bit,goodness knows they need it.How many times last season did i wish for an ‘Hairdryer’ type blast at half time,Get Barton,i believe he could be the Catalyst that has been missing for the past SIX SEASONS !!!
Personally I think all the hype over Cahill, Barton or Parker is stupid. Cahill looks good purely because he plays at Bolton. I doubt he would succeed at Champions League level. Same goes for Parker and Barton.
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Just with rumours flying around linking Barton to Arsenal is a new low. Why doesn’t he just go for Parker. I admit hes not fast but at least he can sit deep in midfield defending and pumping long balls forward or sideways instead of attacking like all the other defensive midfielders do when the games still at 0-0.
Those of you who think Barton is better than Parker, for your own good I hope your joking.
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