Ray Parlour believes Arsenal need to strengthen, if they are to keep in touching distance with the likes of Manchester City and co next season.
Arsene Wenger has already managed to sign Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach for a reported £30 million, and has also triggered Jamie Vardy’s £20 million release clause.
But the Parlour, who won three Premier League titles during a 14-year spell at the club, says Wenger must secure further additions during the summer period to mount a serious title challenge.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, the Arsenal legend said:
‘Arsenal definitely need players to bring into the club.
‘It’s not rocket science about where they need strengthening. A striker, a centre-half and they’ve lost Mathieu Flamini, Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky, so other players need to come into the squad.
‘There are players out there – he’s brought one in so far and I expect another three or four. It’s a long, hard season so the squad is very important.’
He added:
‘It’s so competitive for players though. Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola, Antonio Conte and Jurgen Klopp will all be looking in the same market.’
But do you agree with Parlour’s assessment?
I certainly believe that we need to sign a striker, and is Jamie Vardy isn’t willing to join us, then there are other options out there (check out just a handful of alternatives here). If Vardy were to join, assist king Mesut Ozil would give him plenty of service.
A centre-back is a must. While Laurent Koscielny is arguably our best centre-back, Per Mertesacker is on his last legs, while Gabriel doesn’t look to me like the real deal to partner the France international.
Finally, we will need to bring in at least one more midfielder, having lost the services of Arteta, Flamini and Rosicky. Leicester City’s N’Golo Kante would be a brilliant defensive midfield signing, while Dortmund’s Henrikh Myhitaryan creativity would certainly be welcomed.
So Parlour is absolutely correct. Arsenal will need to strengthen if they are to challenge next season as the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and even Liverpool will be stronger.
