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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NONE. Barton already has beef with half our team.
Parker is a has been.
We can do SOOOO much better.
If I had to choose between Joey Barton and gentile warts I still wouldn’t pick him.
Human being first, football fan second. I would hate Arsenal to be associated with such a &*^% as Barton.
After what he has done to so many individuals out there he deserves an Eduardo/Ramsey style injury. I would not for one second regret witnessing it.
Both!
They are BOTH too slow
this is the saddest summer ever as an arsenal fan.
we have become middle team table thinking club and it looks like we are heading that way.
linking us with second rate players, i wish arsene doesnt sign any of them. maybe samba as a squad player could qualify as arsenal player. but parker? please! he flopped at chelsea and relegated with westham and all over sudden he’s the answer to our problem. gary cahill? now joe barton’s gonna win us the league we will be lucky to qualify for europa league shopping for players nobody else want.
anyway, i shouldnt waste my time with this. i can’t imagine arsene sitting song and wilshere on the bench for parker and barton. this is just summer madness i hope all these second rate targets end up at tottenham. if thats the trick then i dont mind.they love going after players we are about to sign. i hope losers end up signing them.
i want parker simple..
De Rossi, anyone?
And I thought Arsenal had class it must have died with good sense.
Parker no question. barton is a horrible person who would be in jail if he wasnt a footballer.
on the other side of this is Scott Parker who is a very good player and quite possibly the man to help support Song, provide more commitment that the english are known for (a la Wilshere) and provide and experienced hand for our young players like Song, Frimpong and Coquelin to learn from.